POLICE in Boscombe have used a knife arch to raise awareness and educate residents on knife crime.

The area’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) set up the metal detector within the Sovereign Centre on Thursday, November 14.

It was part of OP Sceptre - a national operation that involves targeted operations and activities to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

Speaking about the knife arch, Bournemouth Police posted on social media: “This tool is to educate and raise awareness of the importance and impact knife crime can have.

“We understand that knife crime is becoming a rising issue and becoming more 'normalised' within our communities... However, this is not the case and this is not acceptable.

“A huge thank you to everyone who came and spoke to us during this engagement we love hearing your thoughts and concerns.

“Dorset police strongly urge you to report any suspicious activity. Let’s keep our communities and streets safe.”

In the same post, police reminded people of some important information.

“It is now an offense to possess certain weapons in private places, including items such as knuckledusters and flick knifes.

“The sentence for possessing a knife can be up to five years in prison even if it is not used.

“You can surrender your weapons at police stations across the region – with no questions asked.”