Operation Talkative Knife Crime initiative launched

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is supporting a new policing initiative called Operation Talkative to encourage reporting of knife carrying.  

Operation Talkative is asking for our community to share more information about anyone they know or hear about in possession of a knife. More information is vital to enable the police and partner agencies to consider options to protect, prevent and divert individuals risking their own and others safety in Warwickshire. The information provided will be used to determine an appropriate response.

It is recognised that traditional police enforcement towards those in possession of or using knives to commit crime has limitations. It can miss the potential for early intervention to prevent and deter, which could stop an incident escalating into criminality or worse.

Stratford Safer Neighbourhood Teams Inspector, Ben Hembry, said "This initiative is not meant to be a panacea to knife crime in our District, but is a deliberate effort to respond to the concerns we all have, encouraging better reporting and sharing of information from our community.  We will take very deliberate action with anyone who threatens public safety, but the more the public tell us, the more options are available to tackle issues before they even escalate."

Cllr Natalie Gist, Portfolio Holder for Law and Governance, said: "We are very fortunate that knife crime in Stratford District is relatively low compared to other parts of the country.  Nevertheless, it is a very serious crime and help and support from residents could be very valuable in preventing knife crime.  If residents suspect that someone is carrying a knife, I urge them to report it to the Police."

If you have information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to police by going to www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101 and quote Operation Talkative

If someone is carrying a knife on them at the current time, call 999. If you wish to remain anonymous you can report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org