A "worrying" number of young people are carrying a knife for protection in Wiltshire, police say.
Operation Sceptre, launched this week, raises awareness about knife crime as part of a national week of action and education.
The project combines operational activity with an increased awareness-raising on violent crime and what communities can do to help tackle it.
The Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team were out in force on footpatrols across the town centre on Monday (April 26) as other local teams did the same in other locations.
They spoke with lots of youngsters and people seemed to be enjoying the sunny weather without trouble.
Superintendent Phil Staynings, who oversees policing in Swindon, said: “Thankfully, Wiltshire continues to be a very safe county and the vast majority of people who live here will not be impacted by knife crime.
“However, we do not want to become complacent and we do continue to see a worrying trend amongst some young people, particularly in parts of Swindon, who seem to believe that they need to carry a knife for protection.
"This is often linked to other forms of criminality, such as County Lines and local drug dealing, and we need to do everything we can to safeguard these young people.
“One of our most important tools is our links with our communities. Our Community Policing Teams work hard to forge these links and build trust amongst the public, so that people feel confident reporting issues to us.
“This information and intelligence from the public is the key to identifying vulnerable young people and getting weapons off our streets.”
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard added: “Tackling violent crime and keeping people safe is a priority for this Force and we have various teams of police officers and staff who are working diligently to make this happen.
“I want you to have confidence in Wiltshire Police, and I particularly want you to have the confidence to speak to us about what is happening in your local community.
“Preventing violent crime, specifically the issue of young people carrying weapons, is something we have to work together on, and I would urge anyone with worries, concerns or information, to reach out to us. We are committed to making our streets safer.”
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