Police van wrapped in anti-knife crime messages to patrol Derby
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One of our police vans has had images of anti-knife crime messages printed on it and from today (Monday 26 April) will be seen patrolling the streets of Derby.
The van was at Peartree police station today to mark our involvement in Operation Sceptre, the national week of intensification in the fight against knife crime.
Images include those of the visit to Derby of the Knife Angel, the National Monument against Violence and Aggression.
Inspector Keith Chambers (Pictured on the right here with Sgt Ben Frearson on the left), who is in charge of policing in the west of Derby, explained: “The visit to Derby of the Knife Angel was such a powerful reminder of the futility of knife crime and the victims it leaves behind.
“The images on the van will be seen by many people across the city and so builds upon the partnership work undertaken by the force, Office of Police and Crime Commissioner, Derby City Council and the Diocese of Derby to bring the Knife Angel to Derby.
“Also included are the logos of Project Zao which is the title of our year-round action against knife crime, a reminder that this work goes on throughout the year.”
This week the van will be in parts of the city visiting scenes of previous such crimes and giving people the opportunity to surrender any unwanted knives or sharp weapons.
Keith continued: “The types of injuries we see in these types of crimes are often caused by common looking knives that we all have in our kitchen draws. We would therefore ask parents and carers to be extra vigilant with these items and to take notice if any seem to go missing. This is an opportunity to dispose of any unwanted knives or weapons and if this stops just one getting in the hands of someone who may use it as a weapon it will be worthwhile.”
The van will be in the following locations this week:
Tuesday, 27 April
9am - 5pm - Derby West Police Station, Peartree Road, Derby
Wednesday, 28 April
10am – 12midday - Church Street/Lowerdale Road, near too Sure Start Centre, Derby
12 midday – 2pm - Boyer Street, Stockbrook, Derby
2pm – 4pm - Rosehill Street, by the entrance to Arboretum Park, Derby
Thursday, 29 April
10am – 12midday - Grove Street Car Park, Grove Street, Derby
12midday – 2pm - Browning Circle, Derby
2pm – 4pm - Havelock Road, Derby
Friday, 30 April
10am – 12midday - Southgate Retail Park
12midday – 2pm - Shaftesbury Park / Baseball Drive by the Statue, Derby
2pm – 4pm – The Cavendish, Derby
Saturday, 1 May
9am - 5pm - Derby West Police Station, Peartree Road, Derby
Sunday 2nd May
9am - 5pm - Derby West Police Station, Peartree Road, Derby
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 www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
- 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