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<p>On 9 April 2018, the Government published the Serious Violence Strategy that set
out action being taken to address serious violence and in particular the recent increases
in knife crime, gun crime and homicide. This includes the national knife crime media
campaign, #knifefree, to raise awareness of the consequences of knife crime among
young people and to encourage them to take up positive activities.</p><p>We will continue
to encourage police forces in England and Wales to undertake a series of coordinated
national weeks of action to tackle knife crime under Operation Sceptre. In February
this year, all 44 forces participated in Operation Sceptre, which includes targeted
stop and searches, weapon sweeps, test purchases of knives from identified retailers,
the use of surrender bins and educational activities. On 18 May we also announced
up to £1million for a new round of the anti-knife crime Community Fund which will
invited bids for funding from community groups to tackle knife crime in their area.</p>
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