National week of action against knife crime

Today (15 May 2023) marks the start of Operation Sceptre, an initiative to tackle knife crime across England and Wales which brings together all 43 police forces and British Transport Police in a week of intensified action.

Throughout the week of action, forces will coordinate activity which targets knife crime from the root cause right through to enforcement.  

Whether it’s engaging with local communities, working with young people to dispel myths around knives or carrying out test purchases with retailers – Operation Sceptre showcases the many varied and impactful ways in which policing is working to reduce knife crime and tackle violence.

Commander Stephen Clayman is National Police Chiefs’ Council knife crime lead. He said:

“In previous operational roles, I spent a number of years leading homicide investigations and dealing with the harsh consequences of knife crime and the devastation it brings to families, friends and communities.

“Later when working to deliver local policing services I saw first-hand the complexities of tackling knife crime and just how many people inside and outside of policing are committed to reducing harm to our communities.

“Introduced in 2015, Operation Sceptre has galvanised activity, dedicating a week to intensified activity twice a year. This doesn’t mean we only look at this twice a year, but Sceptre is an opportunity to really focus on our efforts to tackle knife crime at a number of levels – from engaging with young people in schools to proactive patrols and knife sweeps.

“As ever, partnership working is integral to our approach and this week will also shine a spotlight on the many initiatives where policing joins charities, local organisations and government to bring real change for our communities.

“This is an ongoing mission and one which needs collective ambition, energy and patience.”

Operation Sceptre will also highlight the Home Office consultation on new knife legislation proposals to tackle the use of machetes and other bladed articles in crime. The consultation is the result of partnership working between the NPCC National Knife Crime Working Group and the Home Office with proposals developed to support policing in targeting knife crime at a number of stages from retailers to offenders.

The consultation is open to everyone and closes 6 June. Take part here: Machetes and other bladed articles: proposed legislation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)