25 knife crime arrests made across Suffolk during 'week of action'
It follows a week of action to help tackle knife crime
Last updated 25th May 2023
Suffolk Police arrested twenty five people last week in week of action to help tackle knife crime.
Operation Sceptre saw officers carry out search warrants and weapon sweeps, as well as education and engagement activities.
The week of action is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife. Activity included 29 school/college visits, 32 community events and 75 visits to retailers.
Inspector Liz Casey said:
“Targeting those who carry weapons and disrupting the sale and supply of knives is something we do year-round. Op Sceptre allows us to put a spotlight on the issue for a week of intensified activity of education and enforcement to further raise awareness of the devastating consequences of knife crime.
“With 25 arrests relating to knife crime, it’s been a successful week in disrupting criminality in our communities.
“Education and prevention is key and we all have a responsibility to ensure young people understand the risks they face if they carry a knife. We had a great response from the workshops delivered in school and colleges, where our officers engaged with over 3,000 pupils in primary, secondary and further education settings.
“We’re also grateful for the continued support from retailers and officers visited 75 shops to remind them of their Challenge 25 responsibility. These, alongside community engagements which we carried out with our partners, highlight the importance of working with the public to prevent knife crime together.
“We want to dispel the myth that carrying a knife makes you safer – it doesn’t. It could land you a prison sentence of four years and you are more likely to use it or have it used on you if you carry it.
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said:
“I am really pleased to see the Constabulary’s excellent results following this national intensification week to tackle knife crime.
“Operation Sceptre gives the Constabulary an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and also to tackle the crime with targeted enforcement - I fully support this approach.
“It is so important we work with schools, businesses and parents as we will only make a difference if we work together.
“Talking about the consequences of carrying a knife – both at home and at school – is so important. As a parent I know how difficult these conversations can be, but I would urge parents and carers to discuss the dangers of knife crime at home. We really do need to join forces to eliminate this dreadful scourge on society.“
Police stations across the county have surrender bins where knives can be disposed of anonymously, year-round.
There are three in Ipswich (Princes Street outside the Fire Station, Queen’s Way and Bramford Road), at police stations in Lowestoft, Halesworth, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Haverhill, and at the emergency services hub in Mildenhall and in Stowmarket at the junction of Stricklands Road and Ipswich Street.
If you have concerns that someone may be carrying a knife, you can report it to police or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.