A new approach to tackling knife crime

Graphic reading "Thames Valley, We Hear You"

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Thames Valley Police have implemented a tough new approach to tackling knife crime in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Driven by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, Operation Deter focuses on prosecution, intervention and prevention. Initially launched in Milton Keynes in July 2022, Op Deter has since been rolled out across the force area.

The main objective of the approach is to make better use of charging and remanding offenders aged over 18 to court, ensuring that a robust message is sent to anyone found in possession of a knife.

Since it's implementation, knife-enabled crime has reduced in every Local Policing Area in the Thames Valley with incidents down 13% across the whole of the force area.

In addition to tackling adult offending, a specific early intervention pathway for young people under the age of 18 has been put in place.

Operation Deter Youth sees rapid intervention from Youth Justice Services when an under-18 is arrested for knife-possession or knife-enabled offences anywhere in the Thames Valley. Youth Justice Services make contact with the young person within just 90 minutes after notification of arrest. A home visit is also completed within 48 hours of the young person leaving custody with support tailored to each young person then put in place to help steer them away from further offending.

The programme reached over 800 children and young people across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes in 2025/26.

You can read more about both programmes on the Office of the PCC website.

If you've experienced violent crime and need support, Victims First can help. Visit Get Support Now for ways you can contact us.