Young people in Dorset have been learning about the dangers of carrying a knife.

Dorset Police officers delivered a knife and firearms prevention workshop to over 1,700 young people across the county as part of the recent national knife crime week of action – Op Sceptre.

The workshops, which took place between Monday 15 and Sunday 21 November, formed part of the force’s educational plan to show young people the consequences of carrying a knife and prevent them from becoming a victim of crime, as well as explaining the laws around knives and weapons.

Alongside the workshops, officers conducted intelligence-led operational activity targeting habitual knife carriers and carrying out stop and search activity in key areas.

Communities were also reminded about the changes in legislation which came into effect in July this year, making it an offence to possess certain items, such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in a private place.

Guidance on basic laws on knives, banned knives and weapons and legitimate reasons for carrying a knife can be found on the government’s website at www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives

Chief superintendent Mark Callaghan said: “Dorset is one of the safest places to live and work and whilst knife crime is relatively low compared to other areas of the country, we are not complacent.

“Whilst we undertook this activity as part of the national week of action, preventative work and knife crime campaigns run throughout the year and form part of the proactive approach we take to reducing knife crime.

“We would suggest if anyone has any knives which they wish to dispose of they should take these to their local recycling centre or safely package and dispose of in household waste.”