Op Sceptre

Dear Residents,

Police officers will be visiting schools, youth groups and holding knife amnesties this week as part of a national week of action.

The Sceptre week of action will see departments from across Northamptonshire Police come together to tackle and highlight the issues of knife crime.

Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Youth Violence Intervention Unit will be engaging with young people to talk to them about the dangers of carrying a knife while colleagues from our Response and Intelligence teams will be conducting targeted enforcement activity on those believed to be involved in this type of crime.

Tackling serious violence, including knife crime, is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and despite seeing reductions in knife crime in recent years, the Force is committed to seeing further reductions.

Prevention and Intervention Chief Inspector Oliver Charter, is leading the week’s activity. He said: “Combatting knife crime is an on-going priority for us and this week gives us the chance to focus our resources on tackling it from every angle possible - education, engagement and enforcement.

“There is a role for enforcement – but also a role for education - we work closely with partners, parents and community groups to talk to young people about the very real dangers associated with carrying knives.”

Nationally a lot of work is taking place to tackle knife crime, with fines announced for tech companies around the advertising and glorification of illegal knives, while also tackling the sales of items to under 18s.

Last year, new laws banning ‘zombie style’ knives were introduced and this summer ninja swords were also made illegal.

Chief Inspector Charter added: “We know that working with partners is key in reducing knife crime, policing cannot do this alone.

“We will also be working closely with our partners from the Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership, including our local councils and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to deliver activities with children at risk of becoming embroiled in violence offences.

“I also urge anyone who has any information about knife crime, or concerns about someone who may be carrying a weapon, to contact us or Crimestoppers anonymously. We can offer support and advice to you. More information is available at northants.police.uk/knifecrime and on SaferNorthants.co.uk.”