Thousands educated on knife crime during national campaign

Derbyshire Police officers have spoken to over 3500 people during a national campaign, raising awareness of the impact of knife crime and the work being done to prevent it.

Operation Sceptre – which took place between 19th and 25th May – is a twice-yearly campaign, where forces up and down the country highlight their ongoing work to tackle knife crime.

Officers spoke to people at community events, as well as visiting schools to deliver dedicated sessions.

Teams also conducted knife sweeps, where they search public areas – like parks and recreation grounds – for any knives or sharp objects.

Another key feature is the knife amnesty, and local teams hosted dedicated bins where people could drop off their unwanted knives or bladed items.

During the week, officers visited 109 businesses, offering guidance and advice on selling knives safely. Test purchases were also conducted with partners, where someone under the age of 18 attempts to buy a knife. Two businesses failed, and are currently being dealt with by Trading Standards.

Seven people were arrested on suspicion of knife related offences during the campaign - after officers conducted weapons sweeps and acted on intelligence in their local areas. 118 knives were also seized.

Chief Inspector Mike Sisman, from the force’s Partnership and Prevention Team, said: “This proactive work, which goes on all year round, is absolutely key in preventing knife crime in Derbyshire and we will never become complacent.

“Knife crime has a huge impact, not only on the lives of victims and perpetrators, but on their families, friends and communities.

“The hard work from the teams has meant that so many people – and particularly young people across Derbyshire - have been educated around knife crime.

“A large number of knives have also been taken off the streets – meaning they can no longer fall into the wrong hands. Likewise, a number of arrests were made and those suspected to be involved in knife crime can now be referred on to interventions and receive any support they need.

“Please continue to get in touch if you have any information or concerns around knife crime in your communities. Having the information needed means we can be as effective as possible and put our resources where they are needed most.