Dorset Police have outlined a plan to fight knife crime after tragic recent events.

Bournemouth residents have been calling for police action to improve safety in the town centre.

Temporary assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan has responded to their fears saying that tackling violent crime and knife crime remains an ‘absolute priority’.

Figures rose from 300 offences in 2021 to 359 in 2022, based on figures shared by Dorset Police. 

However, in the first seven months of this year alone, there have been 270 recorded incidents.

Police say this is likely to be driven by a new crime recording system, and a 'genuine increase in knife crime.

Nonetheless, police stress that Dorset has the second lowest rate of knife crime per 1,000 residents compared to similar-sized areas.

T/ACC Mark Callaghan said: “Very sadly, we hear of the devastating injury and loss of life up and down the country due to knife crime and the life-long effect this has on victims and their loved ones is profound.

“This is why we are today backing the ‘No More Knives’ campaign to highlight the very real dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.”

Figures show that between 2018 and 2022, almost half of both victims and suspects were aged under 25.

“Some young people think that carrying a knife will provide them protection, however, statistics show that carrying a knife or weapon actually means you more likely to end up being hurt yourself as you can be seen as the threat,” said T/ACC Callaghan.

“If you are carrying a knife because you are feeling threatened, frightened or believe you are at risk of harm, please reach out to us, your school or college, family or friends for help.

“My message to those who carry knives because they wish to cause harm is very simple: don’t.

“If you do choose to arm yourself with a knife, we will proactively pursue you and seek justice through the courts.”

Dorset Police have said they will be taking proactive steps to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, including a stop and search order for part of the weekend.

Other work involves taking part in national campaigns and working with Bournemouth University on academic research to identify early indicators of youth violent offenders.

Officers will be engaging with the public in Bournemouth town centre and Bournemouth gardens during weekends.

Two operations are currently taking place in the area to tackle both daytime and nighttime crime.

Operation Fireglow focuses on policing Bournemouth gardens and Operation Nightjar, the night-time economy.

Officers will be proactively visiting people known to carry knives to prevent crimes from taking place.

Dorset Police will also be sharing educational information and doing talks at schools.

“I would strongly encourage mums, dads, grandparents and family members to help us prevent knife crimes by speaking to their children about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives,” said T/ACC Callaghan.

“Knife crime is a national issue and not something that is unique to Dorset.

“We remain in the top six safest places in the country to live and, while the risk of being a victim of knife crime is low, we are committed to our partnership approach to prevent people from carrying knives and using them as weapons in the first place, while relentlessly pursuing those intent on causing harm.”