Fight against knife crime continues as Op Sceptre concludes

Last week we told you about how we were supporting Operation Sceptre, the national week of action to tackle knife crime.

Officers across the county were taking a range of actions to prevent knife crime, including: conducting knife sweeps, holding knife surrender schemes, visiting schools, broadcasting a hard-hitting message to young people accessing online streams, and visiting shops to ensure retailers are abiding by relevant legislation.

Officers have also been working on intelligence received to target those they suspect to be carrying a knife, with more than 20 such individuals receiving a visit in Derby last week. They were all reminded of the law surrounding the carrying of knives and bladed weapons.

Superintendent Sarah McAughtrie who leads Derbyshire Police’s response to knife crime explained: “We are always keen to support the national Operation Sceptre as it gives us opportunity to highlight the work that we do all year-round.

“Knife and violent crime is a priority to us as we too often witness the devastating effect this type of crime has on victims, families and friends.

“The message, however, is that we can’t do this alone. Of course, as the work last week shows, we work alongside our partners, but our communities can also help by speaking up when they suspect someone is illegally carrying a knife.”

Over the weekend, officers’ work in this area has continued as a 16-year-old boy was charged with possession of a bladed article after reports of a fight in Charlotte Street, Derby in the early hours of Saturday morning (20 November). He appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court this morning (Monday 22 November) and was bailed with a tagging curfew of 7pm -7am.

Operation Wintershield was launched last week and this will continue to use intelligence to identify hot spot areas for knife and violent crime and will involve a multi-agency approach to tackle the root causes of the issue.

Operation Wintershield will run until the end of February 2022 and for its duration officers and staff will be sharing the excellent work that is going on to tackle the root cause of violent crime in Derbyshire.

If you have any information or concerns about knife crime you can speak to us by 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

 

Follow our work on social media by following #OpWintershield