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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Knife crime, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. On 12 January 2026, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team attended Northampton College to carry out a knife crime prevention operation using knife detection arches.
Students were selected at random and asked to remove all metal items before walking through the knife arches. Officers were also positioned outside the building for any students who chose not to enter after being advised of the process, ensuring the operation remained voluntary and proportionate.
The operation formed part of ongoing work between the police, the college, and the wider community to deter knife crime and keep young people safe.
A student at the college said:
“I was a bit nervous at first, but the officers explained everything clearly. It made me feel safer knowing steps like this are being taken.”
Another student added:
“It shows the college and police care about our safety. Everyone was treated fairly and with respect.”
A member of college staff commented:
“We were pleased to support this operation. Working alongside the police helps reinforce positive messages around safety and responsibility, while maintaining a supportive learning environment for our students.”
PCSO Dan Freeman from the Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“Operations like this are about prevention, reassurance, and keeping young people safe. If any other local establishments would like to be considered for similar knife crime prevention operations, I would encourage them to get in touch with the local policing team.”
The Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to thank Northampton College, its staff, and students for their cooperation and support. By continuing to work together, we can help tackle knife crime and keep our community safe.
 Knife crime can destroy lives and fracture communities and disproportionately blights the lives of the young and disadvantaged. Incidents have risen in recent years and tackling knife crime is one of policing’s top priorities. Knife crime – a problem solving guide has been produced in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs' Council and through consultation with 24 police forces and violence reduction units in England and Wales. Using a problem-solving approach to tackling the issue, the guide contains: - broad approaches that are effective in tackling knife crime, including good practice from across the UK.
- a practical toolkit of tactics to use, such as interventions in schools, weapon sweeps and focused deterrence
- advice on how to use data to tailor a response to local problems.
If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at www.northants.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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