Special event for parents in Leighton Buzzard as part of national week of action on knife crime
A special event for parents is taking place tomorrow in Leighton Buzzard as part of a national week of action on knife crime.
The educational event Not my Child: A parent’s guide to exploitation, knife crime and county lines is being held at Cedars Upper School on November 19 between 5.45pm and 9.15pm.
It is designed to help parents and carers recognise the signs of exploitation and gang involvement, and also advise on how to get support.
It follows on from similar successful events in Luton and Bedford.
Educational activities began last week when a total of 2,000 students from Luton Sixth Form College took part in sessions about the dangers and consequences of knife crime, delivered over five days by Bedfordshire Police teams in the build-up to Sceptre.
Sceptre is a national campaign which takes place twice a year and aims to protect communities from knife crime, while also encouraging individuals who carry knives and other bladed articles to surrender them.
Operational activities including weapons sweeps, retailer checks and engagement events are scheduled across the county throughout the week, while 11 knife amnesty bins are located across the county for individuals to dispose of knives safely.
The locations are selected based on where there has been an increase in serious youth violence and knife crime.
The bin in Leighton Buzzard is located outside of the Fire Station on Lake Street.
Knife amnesty bins are also located in Kempston, Luton, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, Bedford, Biggleswade and Shefford.
Superintendent Alex House, Bedfordshire Police’s knife crime lead and national lead for Sceptre said: “Sceptre provides an opportunity to shine a light on the breadth of work taking place, both locally and nationally, to reduce knife crime.
“Enforcement remains a key part of our response, but the impact of knife crime on victims, families, residents and even offenders also underline why education, early intervention and sustained community engagement matter more than ever.
“Strong partnerships across services are also vital to addressing root causes and preventing violence before it happens.
“We are committed to continuing and building on the work that is already happening, and we’re grateful to all those working alongside us to reduce harm, support and guide young people, and encourage them to drop the knife.”