Officers in call to ditch knives as week of activity begins for Operation Sceptre

Ditch a knife and save lives.

That’s the message from officers as we back Operation Sceptre – a week of activity aimed at tackling knife crime and getting more weapons out of the wrong hands.

Officers carry out various programmes of activity throughout the year to target offenders and educate young people about the dangers of knives while work will also be carried out by Trading Standards teams to ensure retailers are following the correct policies around the sale of sharp objects.

This week will see teams build on that work with targeted patrols and searches across the Force area.

From today (Monday, May 13) until Sunday, dedicated officers will also be executing warrants and working alongside our partner organisations at transport hubs across the region to seize harmful weapons.

Surrender bins will also be placed at seven stations, with members of the public encouraged to hand over any unwanted sharp items or knives so that they can be disposed of properly.

Children at schools across the Force will meanwhile be given talks on the extreme dangers of carrying knives.

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, Northumbria Police’s knife crime lead, outlined the week of action and also explained how the wider public can get involved.

She said: “As a Force, we sadly know all too well the utter devastation that knife crime can cause, not only to the victims and their families but also the loved ones and friends of those who carry out such violence.

“We are under no illusions of the work that is required to combat knife crime, and each and every day our officers are tasked to target those individuals who cause harm in our communities.

“Operation Sceptre is a great opportunity for us to carry out enhanced activity in this area, targeting offenders, getting weapons out of circulation and educating young people on why they should under no circumstances be carrying knives.”

Chief Supt Park-Simmons added: “We are also calling on the public to help us by playing their part.

“Please use the opportunity provided this week to hand in any unwanted knives or sharp objects so there is no chance that they can fall into the wrong hands.

“If you do have concerns about someone in possession of a knife, don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can take the appropriate action or alternatively get in touch with Crimestoppers.

“And we’d urge parents and carers to have those difficult conversations with youngsters about the huge dangers of carrying knives.

“Together, we can keep our region safe and further reduce knife crime incidents in our communities.”

Surrender bins are now at the following stations:

• Bedlington and Hexham stations in Northumberland

• Middle Engine Lane in Wallsend

• Forth Banks and Etal Lane in Newcastle

• Gateshead

• Millbank in South Shields

• Southwick in Sunderland

The bins will remain in place until Sunday (May 19).

Station opening times are available by going to the Northumbria Police website.

We will be posting on our social media channels throughout the week so keep your eyes open for #OpSceptre updates.

Those who have information about someone who is in possession of a prohibited weapon, or want to report any suspicious activity relating to knife crime, please get in touch with us via the ‘Report’ page on the Northumbria Police website.

Alternatively, speak to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

If a crime is taking place, always call 999.