Op Sceptre: Police across the county support national week of action to tackle knife crime

Officers and PCSOs across Northamptonshire took part in the national Op Sceptre week of action, aimed at preventing and tackling knife crime.

The national initiative, led by the NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council) ran from Monday, April 26, to Sunday, May 2. Superintendent Adam Ward, Northamptonshire Police’s lead for knife crime, said: “Officers and PCSOs dedicated their work throughout the county in support of the national week of action – and of course this forms part of our ongoing focus on preventing and tackling knife crime.

“While the vast majority of people don’t carry knives – and that’s a really important thing to remember – the operational activity last week demonstrates ways in which we are working with other agencies and the community to prevent it happening in the first place and tackle those that do.

“Prevention is a huge part in reducing the risk of knife crime, and we have many activities aimed at this. For example, talking to young people and education is key to dispel myths such as the fact that carrying a knife makes you safer. In fact, it puts you at more risk as it can be used against you or you could end up using it. It’s just not worth it – even carrying a knife can land you a prison sentence and ruin your life in so many ways.”

“We work with partner agencies and provide advice and help to those who are concerned about themselves, or someone they know being at risk as it’s important for someone in that position to know there is support out there and other options.

“But make no mistake, we will and do come down hard on those who put other people at risk and continue to flout the law. Most people don’t do this and we are determined to bring the few that do to justice.”

The week of action saw activity in towns and villages across the whole county. These included Northampton, Wellingborough, Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Earls Barton, Finedon, Irchester, Irthlingborough, Oundle, Thrapston, Brigstock, Barnwell, Warmington, Raunds, Corby, Kettering, Brackley and Daventry.

167 knives were surrendered, 22 weapon sweeps were conducted, there were 60 surrender bins, 18 arrests made, 29 school visits, 60 visits to shops with events and surrenders at retail parks such as Phoenix Parkway in Corby and Rushden Lakes. Visits were made to 17 licensed premises and joint work with the British Transport Police took place at Northampton, Kettering and Wellingborough train stations.

Activities also included high visibility patrols of hotspot areas and weapon sweeps along with more covert tactics including plain clothes patrols and more.

To report knife crime call 101 or click here – always call 999 in an emergency. If you would rather remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To read the national results and activity for the week of action click here