Derbyshire police to take part in national knife crime campaign

Next week we will be supporting Operation Sceptre, the national week of action to tackle knife crime, from Monday 15 November to Sunday, 21 November 2021.

Our work to reduce knife and violent crime continues year-round, but this week gives us the opportunity to highlight some of that work.

Police teams across the county will be joining with our partners, speaking to young people in schools, conducting knife sweeps in public places, holding local knife surrender schemes, and holding various events and activities to highlight the dangers of knife crime.

The week will also see the launch of a new pro-active operation tackling knife and violent crime across the county.

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Angelique Foster, said: “I expect violence and knife crime to be tackled head on and to see a real difference for the communities who are most affected. 

"I know the people of Derbyshire feel the same way. 

"I’m pleased to see that Derbyshire Constabulary are running proactive, targeted operations at every opportunity to protect our communities and stop crime before it happens.

“Alongside enforcement, we continue to work with our partners to fund early intervention projects that address the causes of violence and support young people to turn their backs on crime in the long-term.

"Equally, we work directly with those who are vulnerable and at higher risk of being drawn into violence before they enter the justice system. 

“There is always much more to do which is why initiatives like Operation Sceptre are so important.” 

Superintendent Sarah McAughtrie explained: “Derbyshire Constabulary work all year-round in a variety of ways to tackle the issue of knife crime. 

“We understand the impact serious violence has on our communities and want to take every opportunity to warn of the dangers of carrying knives and to take knives off the streets. 

“Operation Sceptre is an opportunity to intensify that work in conjunction with our partners in areas such as education and prevention as well as increasing patrols in ‘hot spot’ areas to ensure we keep the public of Derbyshire safe.”

Details of the work during next week will be published on our social media and websites as well as the local Safer Neighbourhood Team’s social media channels.