Shops helping to prevent knife crime

Businesses in Derbyshire are helping to prevent and raise awareness of knife crime as part of a national campaign.

Operation Sceptre is a week-long campaign, held twice a year, which gives forces an opportunity to showcase how they’re preventing knife crime, and also to raise awareness of the law and the consequences surrounding knives and related crime.

Derbyshire is a safe place to live and visit, with preventative efforts being effective. However, we will not become complacent, and we want to keep it this way by continuing this work.

As part of the campaign, officers from Safer Neighbourhood Teams in all areas up and down the county have been visiting shops this week and speaking to owners and staff about what they can do to help prevent knife crime.

Businesses have also been provided with educational posters to display in their shops, which detail the law around selling knives and reaffirms their commitment to helping prevent it by selling responsibly. 

What retailers should know

It is illegal to sell knives to anyone under the age of 18.

They must be stored and displayed securely, and subsequently sold responsibly.

If the person attempting to buy a knife looks under 25, staff can, and should, assess their age, challenge for proof of ID, and check the subsequent ID carefully.

How you can report concerns

If you are concerned about knife crime in your area or have information about someone who is carrying a knife contact us using the following non-emergency methods:
• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form Contact us | Derbyshire Constabulary.
• Phone – call us on 101.
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Always ring 999 in an emergency.

 

#OpSceptre #DropTheKnife #KnivesShatterLives