POLICE teams in Salisbury and Amesbury have stepped up efforts to tackle knife crime with weapon sweeps, school visits and knife detection demonstrations across the area.

Officers from Salisbury Neighbourhood Policing Team have spent the week carrying out proactive work as part of Operation Sceptre, a national policing campaign focused on knife crime prevention and awareness.

The action aims to crack down on people carrying knives while also educating young people about the risks and consequences.

As part of the campaign, Salisbury officers used metal detectors to carry out weapon sweeps in key locations.

Officers attended key locations. (Picture: Salisbury Police)

The searches are designed to remove knives and other dangerous items from public spaces before they can be used.

Police said the sweeps are important even when nothing is found.

Carrying out searches. (Picture: Salisbury Police)

“Even when no weapons are found, these activities provide reassurance to the community and act as a visible deterrent,” Salisbury Police said.

Looking in the park. (Picture: Salisbury Police)

Meanwhile, officers from the Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out a targeted weapons sweep at Bonnymead Park on the evening of Wednesday (May 20).

No weapons or suspicious items were discovered.

Police said the result was positive for the area and urged residents not to be concerned if they spot officers carrying out similar searches.

“We are pleased to confirm that no weapons or concerning items were found during this sweep,” Amesbury Police said.

“This outcome reflects positively on the area and supports our continued commitment to maintaining safe public spaces.”

Officers added that the checks are routine and intelligence-led.

As part of the wider operation, Salisbury officers have also visited secondary schools to speak with pupils about the dangers of carrying knives and the impact knife crime can have on individuals, families and communities.

Students at Wiltshire College Salisbury also saw police bring in a knife arch, similar to those used at airports and major events, to demonstrate how weapons can be detected.

Trying out the arch. (Picture: Salisbury Police)

Sceptre is a nationwide campaign bringing police forces together to focus on prevention, enforcement and education around knife crime, while providing reassurance to communities.