Operation Sceptre - Knife Crime week

Good Morning, 

I am writing to provide an update from officers in Folkestone and Hythe's Community Safety Unit, who have been working hard as part of OPERATION SCEPTRE throughout the week of Monday 17th November to Sunday 23rd November 2025. 

OPERATION SCEPTRE is a a national initiative and one which has been highlighted on some responses from local surveys returned to us and one which some feel is an an area of concern. 

The Operation is focused on reducing knife crime by:

Monday: 

On Monday our Neighbourhood Task Force officers seized a Machete from a property where Cannabis was being cultivated, preventing future harm and access to the weapon with the suspect dealt with for the offences. 

During the evening, Plain clothes officers also patrolled in locations of historic offences, looking for suspicious activity/persons. 

Tuesday:

Tuesday saw 3 BEAT TEAM OFFICERS on their designated wards conducting visits to known knife incident locations and hotspot areas within the community conducting 'mini knife sweeps'. 

Whilst high visibility patrols took place throughout the day around hotspot areas within FOLKESTONE TOWN CENTRE, engaging with members of the public. As part of the patrolling a hammer was seized from a public car park following a routine check by Police Community Support officers, therefore preventing the risk of harm to others and damage to property with this being left to others to easily come into possession of. 

Wednesday:

Some fantastic engagement work was completed by our Vulnerabilities Police Community Support Officer discussing OP SCEPTRE on Wednesday. Where the promotion of our Knife replacement schemes used for previous carriers of weapons historically or those who use knives for self harm purposes to reduce harm. 

Educational inputs provided by the Child Centred Policing Team were held in two of Police Cadet sessions across the day. 

Thursday:

Quick time evidence capture was obtained by officers on Thursday in relation to a male wanted for offences who has a previous history of knife possession, allowing officers to promptly deal with the report with all the relevant evidence secured to assist in the prosecution. 

Later in the day, two Knife sweeps were conducted around MIDDLEBURG SQUARE and SANDGATE ROAD car parks where historically weapons have been located hidden or disposed and a vehicle located in suspicious circumstances was located in a Church Yard car park. The vehicle was seized for used in crime following drugs located and the vehicle being left insecure. 

To cap the day off, 3 x Educational inputs were completed by Child Centred Policing Team in local schools reminding staff of the Knife replacement schemes should any concerns arise and supporting assemblies regarding knife crime. 

Friday:

On Friday officers attended Hythe following reports of Nuisance youths in the area and previous damage reports being made. Officers used this patrolling to engage and check locations were issues had previously been reported and engaged with persons on their patrols. Whilst Beat officers back in Folkestone conducted High visibility evening patrols around the DOVER ROAD, FOORD ROAD, BLACKBULL ROAD and CANTERBURY ROAD. Identified areas where previous reports and surveys indicate members of the public feel vulnerable/unsafe at night for additional public reassurance. 

As part of the work, Folkestone & Hythe District council staff have also maintained and disposed of items dropped in the Knife Amnesty Bins. These are placed where sharp implements can be disposed of in a safe way and therefore reducing harm. 

(Please check their website for locations). 

Please share your comments below relating to this Operation.