Op Sceptre: Knife crime work to be showcased during national campaign

The work of officers and staff in Derbyshire to prevent and investigate knife crime will be highlighted during a national week of action.

This week, 13-19 May 2023, police up and down the county will be taking part in Operation Sceptre, the national week of intensification in the fight against knife crime.

Operation Sceptre runs twice a year and is a chance to highlight the good work that is being done year-round to prevent and tackle knife crime.

Some of this activity will be more discreet, with officers looking at local intelligence -  however during the week you will see officers out and about and you will have the chance to chat to them and find out more.

Officers will also be taking part in other anti-knife crime activities with local groups and schools as well as hosting one of the key activities that happens as part of the week, the knife amnesty. This allows people to hand in their unwanted knives to various drop off-points and police stations around the county – which are detailed below.

Superintendent Ranjit Dol, the operational lead for knife crime across Derbyshire, explained: “In Derbyshire, it is a huge team effort between ourselves and our partners when it comes to preventing and reducing serious violence and knife crime year-round. 

“In our county, the vast majority of people do not carry a knife – it is a small number of people who feel that it is acceptable to do so. However, the consequences can be devastating when they do, so we will continue to work tirelessly to tackle this and bring them to justice. 

“The key message around this week is that prevention is better than cure - stopping knife crime before it happens in Derbyshire is our goal. We want people to continue to feel safe when they go out and to understand that carrying a knife brings with it more risk than protection. 

“Throughout the week, we will be highlighting a vast range of what we do around knife crime, including how we work with local authorities and schools to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime. 

“We do also need you to help us by looking out for each other and telling us if you have concerns about someone who you believe may be considering carrying a weapon or actually doing so. 

“We can act on that information to make sure everyone is equipped with the information to make the right decisions, decisions that can have a huge impact on their future. 

“Operation Sceptre is a great opportunity to get people talking and to make people think twice.” #OpSceptre #KnivesShatterLives #DropTheKnife

If you know or think someone is carrying a knife then please speak to someone and let us know using any of the following methods:

Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website – complete the online contact form: https://orlo.uk/QHcUI

Phone – call us on 101. In an emergency or where there is risk to life, call 999.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://orlo.uk/vDDGl

Amnesty bin locations

The below are where local teams plan to host their amnesty bins. Where full details are not available, please keep an eye on local team social media accounts for further updates.

• Vicarage Park, Mickleover (5pm, Monday 13 May)
• Ridgeway Sports and Social Club,  Ridgeway (Monday 13 May)
• Ilkeston Police Station (Monday 13 May)
• Heanor - Infinite Wellbeing (5-6pm, Monday 13 May)
• Wirksworth Market, Wirksworth (9am-11am, Tuesday 14 May)
• Normanton Park, Derby (from 5pm, Tuesday 14 May)
• Alfreton (5pm-6pm, Tuesday 14 May)
• Arboretum Park, Derby (from 5pm, Wednesday 15 May)
• Hope Car Park, Hope Valley (12 midday-3pm, Wednesday 15 May 2024)
• Tesco, Station Road, Hadfield, Glossop (3pm-4.30pm, Wednesday 15 May)
• Heanor/Langley Mill (12-2pm, Wednesday 15 May)
• Belper (5pm-6pm, Wednesday 15 May)
• Sunnydale Park, Littleover, Derby (from 5pm, Thursday 16 May)
• Dronfield Community Market (Thursday 16 May)
• Eckington Civic Centre (Thursday 16 May)
• Green Lawns, Marsh Lane (Thursday 16 May, PM)
• Asda, Sinfin (Thursday 16 May)
• Aldi, Buxton (3-4.30pm, Friday 17 May)
• Peak Sale social car park (3-5pm, Friday 17 May)
• Tesco, Clay Cross (Friday 17 May)
• Grassmoor (Friday 17 May)
• Clowne Police Station (Friday 17 May)
• Swadlincote High Street (12-1pm, Friday 17 May)
• Alvaston shops (Friday 17 May)
• South Normanton (5-6pm, Friday 17 May)
• Whitworth Park, Matlock (Saturday 18 May)
• Dronfield Sports Centre (Saturday 18 May)
• Clowne Police Station (2-6pm, Saturday 18 May)
• Somercotes, Alfreton (1-2pm, Saturday 18 May)
• Ripley (10-11am, Sunday 19 May)