Operation Sceptre, an initiative to tackle knife crime across the country, has got underway with amnesty bins set up in Newport and Freshwater. Throughout the week of action, all 43 Police forces and the British Transport Police will coordinate activity which targets knife crime from the root cause right through to enforcement. This November, Op Sceptre will specifically focus on tackling and disrupting the importation and supply of knives, particularly the growing accessibility of dangerous knives which can be purchased online. Locally, amnesty bins have been set up – 1 at Church Litten in Newport and the other at Tesco in Freshwater. Commander Stephen Clayman is the National Police Chiefs’ Council knife crime lead. He explains:
“We have been growing increasingly concerned about the wide range of knives which can be purchased online and while age verification is required for purchases, there is little requirement for additional checks to be made. “We know there have been several murders in recent years where the knives used have been purchased online and we are also aware that some individuals are buying large quantities and selling them on through social media sites like TikTok and Telegram.”
Inspector Sarah Nicholson, Tactical lead for Knife Crime for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, says:
“Op Sceptre will include all of the usual operational tactics including education and engagement activity, knife surrender bins, weapons sweeps and hot spot patrols but we’re also looking to build a comprehensive picture of online retailers across the country which will help to inform our engagement moving forward. “Our approach has also been significantly strengthened with the proposed legislative changes which are being progressed to reduce the availability of certain types of machetes and to increase policing powers to seize knives. These offer additional robust measures to deal with those who seek to use knives for violence. Ultimately, when used appropriately, they provide a greater means to protect the public and safeguard our communities. “Every day as police officers we see first-hand the devastating effects of these deadly weapons on the lives of individuals, particularly young people and we must always look at what action can be taken to restrict the supply chain and prevent access to knives that are used for violence, intimidation and harm.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has said:
“Knife crimes, and particularly youth knife crimes, have been growing at a worrying rate across the UK over the last decade, and crimes linked to knives have a devastating impact destroying families and communities in a split second. “We all have a responsibility to make sure knife crime is tackled head on, and we need to reduce the threat by aiming our concerted efforts at educating children and young people. “Parents need to ensure they understand the risks, how to spot the signs and keep their children safe. Equally, children and young people need to understand the consequences of carrying a knife. “Through my office, I deliver a Violence Reduction Unit with a multi-agency partnership that delivers projects for under 25s that steer them away from knife crime, serious violence and exploitation. “I’ve also commissioned a pioneering drama scheme that’s just begun in schools across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that explores the risks and impact to children.”
NO. The answer is really tough line sentencing for carrying a knife. Even harsher for using one to commit a crime…Include the kids in that too. Minimum for them 12 months YOI.2nd offence, 3yrs….
IF, they REALLY cared about knife crimes, firstly they would ensure anyone carrying a knife with ‘presumed’ intent to use it on others, would be jailed for a minimum of 12 months.
BUT as we all ought to understand, as our prisons are filled with those type who stab, shoot, acid attack, mug, rape etc etc, then there is no longer any spare capacity to jail anyone except the very worst in society, let alone those getting caught pre stabbing someone.
So until these beings are retuned petty criminals will continue to carry knives, and a Stern faced officer holding a bin of OAP placed knives from the cutlery drawer will do NO good at all.
All a PR stunt as easy, but totally ineffective.
See the REAL problem in this country.
If you go to most ironmongers, or supermarkets, there’s plenty of unpleasant cutlery available. One large pub chain found their serrated steak knives kept disappearing. On ended up in the back of an acquaintance years ago, luckily without serious ramage. The bins will only be filled with rubbish, and old kitchen knives. Its a nice idea, but the problem is society, and and the preconceptions of the idiots that carry them. Carrying a knife is not the problem. I’ve carried a knife every day for nearly 65 years, and never had the desire to stick one into someone. I just regard my swiss army knife, hanging off my keyring as a handy tool. But, as noticed, some types tend to attract the morons. Zombie killer etc. They’re just to appeal to idiots.
The so called zombie knifes are illegal anyway and they meet a unique specification in whats classified as one. Ironically those zombie knives would be rubbish at punching through a skull . I never can understand why they never use a good long screw driver for it. Much better suited for punching through the skull in a situation like that
FYI I’m talking about a zombie apocalypse. Not comitting any attacks on anyone . Because people are idiots and you have to give clarification on what you are talking about
All weapons should be handed in, including guns etc
No one should own weapons of any sort.
The only persons who should have such weapons are Police or Military.
Maybe you should look up the definition of “weapon”. A weapon, arm, or armament is any implement or device that is used to deter, threaten, inflict physical damage, harm, or kill. Therefore, a rolling pin, could be a weapon if used in the fashion to cause someone harm, inflict damage or death. I’m sure the military would look rather fetching carrying rolling pins into battle, but i rather like to keep hold of mine personally.
Trevor, the Police tell everyone ‘that if you carry a knife, then you are more likely to be harmed by being knifed that if you dont’
YET they ‘never used’ to carry guns, until we imported half the thirds worlds finest here.
So how come ‘they’ are safer carrying weapons, but the elderly, the weak, the young and many females are ‘safer’ being at the mercy of powerful vicious lust intent, drunken or drugged beings without ‘carrying a weapon’.
Sauce for Goose…
Samuel Colt had it right, he said, God made Man, but Colt made them equal. Meaning anyone capable of using a weapon has the same chance no matter what build you are.
The Police rarely turn up till AFTER the event, but Donna will provide more victim support.
Why wouldn’t you just put it in an ordinary bin if you wanted to get rid of it?
Because a grim faced Police Officer couldn’t then pick out the largest most intimidating knife to show how ‘they’ have made our streets that bit safer.
It fools the naive, most of the elderly and the dreamers into believing that they and their loved ones are a little safer.
Yeah because stopping people from carrying a tool stops someone from comitting crime. It’s already a crime to attack someone. Banning everything will not save people if someone is going to do it anyway. And the same libtards that are saying knives are bad are the same ones that say guns are bad. They are just tools it’s the human brain that is the weapon. So if the crime is the attack and self defence as a human right is a crime as well because someone might use what ever they have on them as a defence. Then who is the criminal. That’s right. The government make everyone sheep but they can’t protect anyone only respond after the crime has been committed. But OK for libtards to feel good about themselves..
STOP SELLING THEM AND MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO SELL THEM.
Look on SHEIN website and put in knives its ridicules what you can buy and they are just posted to anyone that wants one no age check.
This is a regular site that sells even children’s items.
Knife Crime will NEVER end while they are so EASY to buy.
They are looking in the wrong way at this.
Make it a MASSIVE fine for selling them.
Dude most knife deaths are from kitchen and stake knives. Not the big scary ones . How about letting people have the right to be armed wear body cams as you have the right to self defence when you are attacked. Self defence is a human right . The police cant and wont protect you. The police and the government are the criminals making everyone into victims an the criminals don’t care about attacking you
BIG LETTERS KAREN