Northumbria Police pledges support to national knife-crime campaign

Northumbria Police are supporting a week of action geared at tackling knife crime and the devastating harm it causes.

From today (9th November) officers will be carrying out a range of targeted activity in communities – from extra patrols to pursuing known offenders. They'll also be tackling the illegal importation and distribution of weapons and educating youngsters about the dangers.

Known as 'Operation Sceptre', the activity will see all police forces across England come together in a combined effort to clampdown on knife crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchison, from Northumbria Police, has welcomed the week of action which is an extension of the proactive work already under way to tackle such offending.

He said:

“Knife crime and serious violence has absolutely no place in our communities and we are committed to making sure the streets we live and work continue to be as safe as they can be.

“Thankfully, the North East sees lower levels of knife crime than comparative areas of the country but we can’t be complacent, any incident is still one too many.

“The activity carried out as part of Operation Sceptre is not a one off but an extension of the work which is going on year-round to reduce the impact of knife crime.

“Our communities can be assured we are working tirelessly to not only bring offenders to justice, but to steer young people away from engaging in serious violence in the first place.

“This week, our officers will be executing warrants, carrying out searches, seizing harmful weapons and anyone caught in possession of a knife will be arrested.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness added:

“Our communities have told us they want to see violent criminals targeted and their neighbourhoods made safer, and Op Sceptre will do just that this week.

“We will always work to educate individuals around the dangers of knife crime, and my Violence Reduction Unit will be working directly with schools and colleges this week to do so.

“However, where individuals fail to engage with our support and put the lives of others at risk, full enforcement will be taken.

“Knife crime is falling in Northumbria, and we remain a very safe place to live, but we must maintain that through action like this week.”

However, unlike previous years, due to Covid-19 the force will not be operating surrender bins within our stations.

If you have information about someone who is in possession of a prohibited weapon, or want to report any suspicious activity, please get in touch with the police using the Tell Us Something page on their website.

Alternatively, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

If a crime is happening, or you need urgent assistance, always call 999.