This week a new knife surrender scheme launched across the country, in a bid to encourage those who have a zombie knife or machete to turn it into the authorities. This month-long initiative includes compensation for those who are eligible and meet the criteria, and at the end of the month, the law around these types of knives will change and they will be added to a list of prohibited offensive weapons, closing an existing loophole in the law.

In Dorset, these weapons can be surrendered at three police stations – Bournemouth, Poole, and Weymouth until September 23. I strongly urge anyone in possession of one of these weapons to hand it over. Carrying a knife of any kind only puts you in more danger of getting seriously hurt or even killed. If you know someone who carries a knife of any description, please talk to them, and encourage them to surrender these weapons. They are only increasing their risk of getting injured or injuring someone else by taking a knife out with them.

I want to be very clear; tackling knife crime in Dorset is a key priority. Work to ensure our current low rate of knife crime remains that way is relentless but as I have stated before, it cannot be solved through policing alone. In Dorset, alongside robust enforcement from the Force, we work closely with partners such as the local authorities on early intervention and education, which are both vital to prevent these despicable crimes from taking place.

Since I became Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I have worked with every stakeholder partner available to address this issue, lobbied government ministers, invested in services and supported projects, preventative education and campaigns and I continue to support the family of Cameron Hamilton and their Changes Are Made charity. But I know it’s not enough to stop here. That’s why I remain absolutely committed to bringing a Violence Reduction Unit to Dorset. This will ensure the right services are provided at the right time, with early intervention placed front and centre. Solving the issue of knife crime transcends local policing; it needs a national response.

While schemes such as the latest surrender initiative are absolutely welcome, I believe we need to go further to turn the tide. Too many lives have been lost and I am determined to ensure another family does not have to endure another tragedy. That’s why earlier this month I wrote to the Policing Minister over the issue of knife crime and asking for a commitment to help fund a Violence Reduction Unit in Dorset. You can read the letter in full here PCC letter to Policing Minister over knife crime ·

I know that by working together, putting the people we serve first and doing all we can collectively to stop the illegal use of knives in our society, we can stop this scourge wreaking further havoc and tragedy in our communities. Help us take these crucial steps by doing the right thing this month and remove dangerous weapons from the streets. Whether this is by handing one over or having a conversation, your actions could help save a life.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner