Suffolk Police launch week long crackdown on knife crime
People are being urged to 'bin the blade' at knife amnesty bins across the county
Last updated 15th May 2023
Suffolk Police have launched a week of action to tackle knife crime in the county, with people being urged to get rid of blades at several amnesty bins across the county.
Operation Sceptre will also see officers giving talks at local schools, carrying out additional patrols and visiting shops to ensure they're not selling blades to people under the age of 18.
Surrender bins are in place in Ipswich (Princes Street outside the Fire Station, Queen’s Way and Bramford Road) and at police stations in Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Haverhill.
Inspector Liz Casey, of Suffolk Constabulary, said: “Activity will include promoting our amnesty bins where people can dispose of knives safely.
"These are located near most of our police stations across the county, and officers will also be conducting weapon sweeps, looking for knives discarded or hidden in public places.
“Officers in the engagement team will visit education premises, talking to young people about the dangers and effects of carrying knives and we will also be working with British Transport Police to disrupt criminals carrying weapons and using the train network to enter our county.
“We will visit our retail community and speak to them about their responsibility in the safe sale of knives to ensure they are not selling knives to anyone under the age of 18, and help them reduce opportunities for knives being stolen from their stores and their premises.
“Suffolk Constabulary is absolutely committed to keeping knives off our street and we need the ongoing support from the public.
"We need our communities to support the police in reporting and giving evidence about those who carry knives.
"If you know someone is carrying a knife, purchasing one or that someone being exploited to do so, please call us on 101, report it online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”