Operation Sceptre leads to 294 knives taken off the streets

Operation Sceptre, a national campaign, saw police forces join together in a bid to tackle knife-related crime and educate the public around the risks of carrying knives.

Image: Sussex Police

The week-long campaign was supported by Sussex Police earlier this year in September with high visibility patrols, test purchasing and advice given to schools across the county.

One of the main focuses of the campaign was a knife amnesty where members of the public were encouraged to hand in unwanted knives or blades without any questions being asked. A total of 294 knives were dropped into the amnesty bins in police stations across the county.

“Operation Sceptre is an important campaign that we are always pleased to give our support to” Assistant Chief Constable Nick May said.

He went on to talk about how education and engagement with communities is “vital” especially when the consequences of being caught in possession of a knife could lead to a five-year prison sentence; a fact many people, particularly young people, don’t realise. It is hoped that education “should get people to think twice about picking up a knife”.

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said: “I am pleased that Sussex Police continues to actively participate in this national campaign and the results speak for themselves, with a substantial rise in the number of knives handed in.”

She went onto talk about the work of Sussex Police’s Youth Prevention Officers who play a “significant part in educating young people… and pushing the vital message ‘lose the knife, not a life.”