Operation Sceptre sees almost 2,000 arrests and nearly 9,500 knives taken off the streets

The nationwide operation to sort out knife crime – generally known as Operation Sceptre – has seized 1000's of knives, police chiefs have mentioned.

The operation, which was undertaken by all 43 forces in England and Wales in addition to the British Transport Police, additionally noticed 1,947 arrests, with 831 associated to knife crime offences.

Quite a few completely different ways had been used to take away knives from the streets, together with honesty bins, knife arches and weapon sweeps.

Officers seized 1,074 knives whereas 8,401 had been surrendered or seized throughout sweeps. This is a rise of 14% for the reason that final Operation Sceptre in 2021, in keeping with figures from the Nationwide Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

The police additionally labored with the jail service to comb cells, with 131 inmates searched in 100 cells throughout eight prisons. They seized 29 weapons through the cell searches, together with razor blades mounted to toothbrushes and different handles.

Higher Manchester Law enforcement officials trying to find proof on the scene have a knife in a plastic tube, on Thirlmere Avenue in Stretford, Manchester.

Peter Byrne

Different weapons seized by police over the week embrace swords, searching knives and machetes.

There was additionally an training and youth engagement factor to the week with 966 native occasions held and 1,917 faculties visited.

Nationwide Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, mentioned the operation noticed a “actual crackdown” on knife crime.

“Operation Sceptre noticed an actual crackdown on the intense violence related to knife crime and has delivered some excellent outcomes,” he mentioned.

“Op Sceptre highlights the persevering with dedication of the police working with the general public in stopping younger folks carrying knives and this newest Sceptre week noticed our engagement with faculties and communities improve to increased ranges than ever earlier than.

Andrew Matthews

“Younger folks should perceive that carrying a knife isn't the reply, nor does it supply the safety they assume it does. It solely places them at higher threat.”

The Minister for Crime, Policing and Probation Equipment Malthouse mentioned there may be “nothing extra terrifying” for a mum or dad than the considered the kid not making it dwelling.

“We've got to work day and evening to maintain our children protected”, he mentioned.

There may be nothing extra terrifying for a mum or dad that the considered them not making it dwelling.

“Operations like this are serving to us make our streets safer every day.”

Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead, who led the operation for the Metropolitan Police, mentioned making London safer is his pressure’s precedence.

“Our mission is to bear down on violence and make communities safer throughout London – it’s our precedence,” he mentioned.

“Operation Sceptre is an intensification of the work we already do each single day and officers won't cease doing all the things they'll to focus on these carrying weapons on our streets.”