THERE has been a more than 30 per cent rise in offences involving weapons and knives in the Forth Valley.

The 31 per cent rise in offences between February and July this year, compared to the same period in 2023, was highlighted by the Forth Valley division as it launched an initiative to tackle the problem.

One incident in that time period saw an Alloa man shouting and swearing while in possession of a knife during a disturbance, as reported by the Advertiser last month.

The newly announced law enforcement initiative, launched on September 2, means that until the start of December, Police Scotland will be working with partners to proactively tackle the possession and use of offensive weapons and knives.

The partners will also undertake educational engagements.

Chief Inspector Sarah McArthur said: “Carrying and using offensive weapons and knives is extremely dangerous.

“It will not be tolerated and those doing so will be identified and apprehended.”

The CI went on to explain that such offences have a “devastating impact” in and around the Wee County with the force committed to make communities safer, taking a “zero-tolerance” approach to knife crime.

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CI McArthur added: “Working alongside partner agencies, we will be conducting enforcement patrols and targeted disruptions, as well as educating around the dangers of offensive weapons and knives and the legal consequences of carrying and using them.

“I’d urge anyone who has information in relation to offensive weapons or knife crime to contact us.

“Information from the public is vital in helping us crackdown on violent crime.”

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 while information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.