Suffolk police continue to tackle and reduce knife crime
Carrying a knife – even if you haven’t used it – is a crime
Suffolk Police are reminding people that carrying a knife is a crime as they carry out a week of action to tackle and reduce knife crime.
Operation Sceptre highlights the work that is done year-round to reduce offences and is a national initiative that takes place twice a year, co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC).
As part of the initiative, officers in our county have been conducting a series of high visibility activity alongside partner agencies to keep knives off the streets, raise wider awareness of knife crime and educate people about the dangers of carrying a bladed weapon.
Police are also visiting schools to help educating young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives and the impact it can have in the community.
In 2023 across Suffolk 960 knife crimes were recorded with 193 people charged. There was also 66 arrests made specifically in relation to possession of a knife/bladed article
According to figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), knife crime has dropped 14.4% compared to the previous 12 months (knife crime data is published as crime per 100,000 population).
Acting Inspector Ed Scott said: “Tackling knife crime and creating safer communities is an absolute priority for Suffolk Police and we want to assure the public that we are committed to keeping knives off our streets.
“Operation Sceptre allows us two dedicated weeks every year to promote the work we do year-round to deter offending and violent crime.
“During this week of action we carry out educational talks in schools to highlight the risks of knife crime and the dangers of carrying a knife, and we visit retailers to ensure correct procedures are practiced to prevent young people from easily obtaining knives.
“We also conduct high-visibility patrols in targeted locations, carry out weapon sweeps and work with partner agencies to disrupt the activities of criminal groups operating within the county who may carry weapons.
“If you carry a knife, you are more than likely to come to harm, and being found in possession of one could lead to years in prison. We would encourage family members and guardians to talk openly with young people about knife crime, the consequences and risks.
“If you know someone is carrying a knife, or being exploited to do so, please report it. Don’t let another life be lost as a result of carrying a knife.”
There are nine knife amnesty bins located in Suffolk:
If you know someone is carrying a knife, purchasing one or that someone is being exploited to do so, you can call the Police on 101, report it online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency.