Knife crime work paints picture of consequences to community in Swadlincote

Officers have been getting creative and bringing art to local streets as the county welcomes a national week of action on knife crime.

Teams in Swadlincote have been sharing anti-knife crime messages by painting pavements and public spaces in a project completed in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council. The action aims to raise awareness of the consequences that carrying a knife can lead to.

The images, which include PCSO Hanman, have been created as Derbyshire welcomes Operation Sceptre, a national campaign which raises awareness of knife crime and the consequences it can have.

Whilst the chalk-based paint will fade, it is hoped the messages will continue to have a lasting impact.

The Inspector for Derby South Michael Sisman explained that whilst the areas featured are not specific areas of concern, these images aim to provoke conversation.

“We have had some tragic incidents in our area over the past year, and we hope that by being active in the community with these images, we can highlight that we take incidents of knife crime seriously,” he said.
"This is just a small part of our work to reduce knife crime that takes place all year round.”

Councillor Kevin Richards, South Derbyshire District Council’s Leader, said: “Protecting the safety of South Derbyshire residents is a key priority for the Council and this is why we are working closely with Derbyshire Constabulary on Operation Sceptre.

“We will continue to work together to reduce the number of knives on the street in the district and also to educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife.”

Operation Sceptre runs from Monday 16 – Friday 20 May 2022 and highlights the activities such as surrender locations, engagement events and enforcement activity that will take place around Derbyshire throughout this week.

If you have concerns about knife crime in your area, or information about someone who is carrying a knife or other weapon, please contact us via the following methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message on our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Crimestoppers website.