Sceptre – tackling knife crime and building trust

Suffolk Police are again visiting schools and colleges to raise awareness among young people of the dangers of carrying knives.

The visits are being made between 18 and 24 May during the latest national Sceptre campaign.

Officers are also using the week to build trust between youngsters and the police, a vital part of the campaign.

“Education and prevention is the key to tackling knife crime,” said Inspector Winston Freeman of Suffolk Police. “We want youngsters to understand the real dangers of knife crime and explain to them that there are always alternatives to violence.”

This Sceptre week runs alongside the Ben Kinsella Trust’s Knife Crime Awareness Week and police forces across the country echo the trust’s theme of “Change can happen”, focusing on positive work and action to tackle knife crime.

Here in Suffolk, officers are also carrying out stop and searches where individuals are suspected of carrying knives and are engaging with retailers to ensure compliance with Challenge 25—a policy requiring anyone who appears under 25 to show ID when buying age-restricted items, including knives.

Inspector Freeman added: “Of course, not every youngster carries a knife, far from it, but we want to encourage parents, guardians and extended family members to talk to them about recognising the signs of knife crime and understanding the very serious consequences.

“The public plays a vital role in helping us tackle knife crime and I would urge anyone who sees or hears something suspicious to report it.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said:  “I fully support the Sceptre campaign and its pro-active approach to tackling knife crime in the county.

“It is particularly important we work with schools, parents and carers to highlight the dangers of carrying a knife. We will only make a difference if we work together.

“Talking about the consequences of carrying a knife – both at home and at school – is so important.  As a parent I know how difficult these conversations can be but we really do need to join forces to eliminate this dreadful scourge on society.”

Mr Passmore added: “I am pleased to see the campaign run alongside a campaign by the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity set up following the death of 16 year-old boy tragically killed in a horrific act of senseless violence. This really highlights the desperate need to stop this mindless violence.”

For advice and practical help about knife crime, please visit: Stop knife crime | Suffolk Constabulary

To make a report visit Report a crime | Suffolk Constabulary