A week of intensified action on knife crime has resulted in
police arresting 1372 people, including 516 for a knife related
offence, and seizing more than 10,000 weapons.
All police forces joined Operation Sceptre, which used a range of
tactics, like weapons sweeps and intelligence-led stop and
search, between 11 and 17 March. During the week 1926 stop and
searches were conducted leading to 136 arrests. Other outcomes of
the searches included cannabis warnings and arrests for other
offences.
Test purchases of knives were carried out at 689 stores. Of those
tested, 130 shops failed and sold a blade illegally to someone
under the age of 18 – a failure rate of almost 19 per cent.
Retailers found to be breaking the law can face up to six months
imprisonment, a fine of £5,000 or both. During the last operation
in September 2018 there was a failure rate of 20 per cent - with
99 out of 496 stores selling a knife to a child.
Officers carried out 3771 coordinated area searches for weapons
and found 342 knives during this. The number of knives
surrendered during amnesties was 10215. In total 10960 knives
were seized, found or surrendered.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Knife Crime, Deputy
Assistant Commissioner Duncan Ball, said:
“Operation Sceptre brought together all 44 police forces in
England and Wales in a coordinated effort to take knives off our
streets and bring those intent on using them for violence to
justice.
“The increase in knife crime in recent months and years is
very concerning and as a society we have a responsibility to act.
Police officers work incredibly hard all year round to make our
communities safer but this operation sends a clear message that
there are consequences for carrying a knife or selling one
illegally to a child. Police officers will work with other
agencies to consider what support those arrested need to prevent
them picking up a knife again.
“Police cannot tackle violence alone and this week of
intensification involved work with schools, charities, the health
service, Trading Standards and communities to eradicate knife
crime and keep people safe.”
Police recorded knife crime offences are at their highest level
since comparable data started in 2011, according to the latest
ONS crime figures. The statistics show an increase of six per
cent in the last year.
, Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability
said:
“The rise in serious violence across the country is deeply
concerning. I joined the police on Operation Sceptre and saw
first-hand the vital work they do to keep our streets safe.
“This week of action shows how important tough law
enforcement is, and to support this we have changed the law
through the Offensive Weapons Act. This will make it harder for
young people to buy knives and introduces Knife Crime Prevention
Orders, to deter them from carrying knives in the first
place.
“But we understand more needs to be done, which is why we are
investing over £220m in projects to steer young people away from
crime. Our public health approach will also see public bodies
work together more effectively to protect those at risk of being
drawn into violence.”
CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, Patrick Green, said:
"Operation Sceptre continues to play an
important role in tackling knife crime by taking knives and those
who carry them off our streets. We welcome the wider
approach now being taken by police forces to work alongside
schools, charities, the health service, Trading Standards and
communities.
“But it is vital that we not only remove knives, but we must
also dispel the myths that encourage young people to carry them
in the first place, such as a knife will protect or give you
status.
“By working together, agencies are able to reach more young
people and educate them about the dangers of knife crime and help
them to make better decisions to stay safe."
Notes to editors
Full results
- In total 10960 knives were recovered, surrendered or seized.
- Weapons sweeps: 3771, resulting in 342 weapons seized
- 10215 knives surrendered
- 1926 Section 1 (PACE) stop and searches (looking for weapons)
resulting in 136 arrests and 123 knives seized
- A total of 1372 arrests, 516 of these were related to knives
(Other offences included possession of drugs)
At the last Operation Sceptre in September 2018
- Overall, 9302 knives were surrendered or seized.
- A total of 1002 arrests were made nationally, 337 of which
were for knife related offences.
- A total of 1779 stop and searches.
- 1158 weapon sweeps were conducted, resulting in the recovery
of 172 knives and other weapons.
- In addition, 8781 knives were surrendered (including in
amnesty bins) across 37 police force areas.
