Week of action aims to tackle knife crime
All 43 forces across the country, together with British Transport Police, are taking part in a week-long initiative to crack down on knife-enabled crime and violence.
Operation Sceptre will run from November 15 until November 21 and will give forces an opportunity to focus on the different strands of education, engagement, prevention and enforcement.
Engaging with retailers, youth groups and charities will be an important part of the week. Policing is working to target the root causes of knife crime, and early intervention will aim to stop those intent on carrying a knife. Work with youth groups and charities will be a vital part of a communities-led policing response.
Forces will continue to work closely with young people to further understand the reasons why individuals carry knives and also to educate them around the dangers and illegality of carrying one.
Most importantly, the week will aim to highlight that there are no positives to carrying a knife.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, said: “Knife crime can have a devastating impact on families and communities, police forces are working night and day to tackle this problem. Operation Sceptre offers us the chance to work across all forces to concentrate our efforts in tackling knife crime, a significant contributor of violence in the UK.
“The week will focus on many different areas, including education, engagement and prevention. This is a system wide approach and one we work closely with our partners to achieve. We are asking all forces to intensify the efforts that take place all year round in getting knives off the streets, potentially saving lives.
“We want those who may be carrying a knife out of fear to come forward and speak with police or an adult that they can trust such as a youth worker, teacher at school, charities or by calling Crimestoppers. We want to help young people get out of the cycle of violence and stop the devastation caused to them and their families due to knife crime.
“You will see knife arches, honesty bins and officers doing weapons sweeps during the week as we work to remove knives and stop serious violence on our streets.”
