Rugby's police launch huge offensive against knife crime following incidents over the last year

Police have launched a huge operation to tackle knife crime in Rugby following incidents in the town centre over the last year.

Operation Spigot will see officers patrol hotspot areas, raid properties and conduct stop searches based on intelligence as well as supporting force-wide and national initiatives.

Officers will also work to tackle to cause of the problem by engaging with young people to teach them about the dangers of carrying of knife.

In addition, officers will be seeking to educate potential victims, parents, teachers, and the community on knife crime as well as the wider issues it can affect such as drug use and exploitation.

There are a number of signs to suggest someone may be vulnerable to becoming involved in knife crime – helping people to spot these signs and changes in a person's behaviour is a key part of the operation.

Operation Spigot is also aiming to target those who may be more susceptible to becoming involved in crime.

Clampdown comes after incidents in the town centre

Rugby remains a relatively safe place to live and work, but several incidents involving knives, mostly in the town centre over the last year have driven police to take more action.

Inspector Sally Bunyard-Spiers from Rugby’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams said: “Operation Spigot is designed to drive down the level of knife crime in Rugby particularly among young people.

“While there are obvious dangers to carrying a knife, often youngsters don’t think of some of the longer term consequences.

“If someone is convicted of carrying a knife it can have a profound impact on their future by preventing them from getting certain jobs, going to university or even travelling abroad.

“Above all else, if they use the knife, someone could end up seriously hurt or worse, and in recent years we have seen the tragic consequences of when someone chooses to carry a knife in Rugby.”

Inspector Bunyard-Spiers added: “Knife crime affects the whole community – not only does it raise fear of crime, but if people see others carrying knives they think they should do the same, which increases the number of knives on the streets. We want to reduce that number.

“There is a preconception that knife crime is associated solely with gangs and while that can sometimes be the case, often innocent bystanders can get caught in the middle of other people’s disputes.

“If someone is caught either carrying a knife or using one, we will strive to carry out a thorough investigation and where possible, ensure they are brought to justice and face the punishment that befits their crime.

“We want to reassure the community we are doing everything we can to ensure people are aware of the risks of carrying a knife. We are also keen to educate people about the dangers of knife crime and other associated issues such as drug use, exploitation and vulnerability.

“We all have a duty to keep our communities safe and we’re asking everyone to play their part in our ongoing bid to drive down the level of knife crime within the borough.

“If you see someone carrying a knife or acting suspiciously, please get in touch. A single call could save someone’s life.”

Anyone who has information about knife crime can contact the police online, by calling 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.