Northamptonshire Police joins national campaign to tackle knife crime

Officers and staff from Northamptonshire Police are joining colleagues from across the UK to prevent and tackle knife crime, as part of the national Operation Sceptre week of action.

Knife crime is a matter of priority for the Force, and this week of action coincides with Northamptonshire Police’s three-month campaign, which was launched at the beginning of October.

Since October 1, with the support of partner agencies, the Force has increased its policing activities through targeted community engagement and raising awareness of the common misconceptions around carrying knives.

The week of action, which started yesterday (Monday, November 15), will see an intensification of this work which takes place in Northamptonshire and across the UK day in, day out to tackle knife crime.

Operation Sceptre provides an opportunity for officers and police staff to continue their focus on the different strands of education, engagement, prevention, and enforcement, all of which are important to reduce knife crime.

Engaging with retailers, youth groups and charities will be an important part of the week through community engagement events, talking with young people and patrols of hotspot areas.

Operation Sceptre will also target the root causes of knife crime, and early intervention aims to stop those intent on carrying a knife by further understanding why people choose to carry one in the first place.

Work with our partner agencies, youth groups and charities is a vital part of a communities-led policing response, and with their support, Operation Sceptre aims to educate people on the dangers and illegality of carrying a knife.

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.”

Superintendent Adam Ward, who is leading Northamptonshire Police’s knife crime campaign, added: “It’s important to remember that most of us do not carry knives and will probably never be affected by knife crime – which is why it’s important to dispel the myths around carrying a knife.

“However, sadly we have also seen the harm caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime. It is devastating, which is why it is a matter of priority to us.

“Operation Sceptre is an opportunity for us all to work together to reduce the risk and harm – and loss of lives - caused by knives through engagement, education, prevention and enforcement and make sure the next generation understands the risks of carrying a knife.”

Find out more about how Northamptonshire Police is preventing and tackling knife crime here.

If you have any information or concerns about knife crime in your community, you can report non-emergency crime to 101, visit www.northants.police.uk/RO or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency always call 999.