Operation Sceptre – the bi-annual nationwide campaign addressing knife crime – began today for UK police forces.
Coordinated by the National Police chief’s council, this initiative aims to heighten awareness of knife crime while providing a glimpse into the ongoing efforts of police forces combating this issue.
Running for a week, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will be actively involved in targeting operations, community engagement events, educational programs, and premises visits, all geared towards diminishing knife crime and discouraging the carrying of knives.
The Operation Venture team, specialising in serious violence and knife crime, will support the operation with both proactive uniformed and plain-clothes patrols across Greater Manchester, focusing on identifying and apprehending individuals found in possession of knives.
Week of action
The week of action under Operation Sceptre will shed light on knife sales, including online transactions. Officers will collaborate with partners to engage retailers, particularly regarding responsible knife sales practices.
GMP will also raise awareness about Forever Amnesty surrender bins permanently located in police stations across Greater Manchester. These bins allow anyone to anonymously surrender a knife with no questions asked.
Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, GMP’s force lead for knife crime, said that the devastating impact of knife crime on families and communities. Operation Sceptre serves as an opportunity to showcase GMP’s year-round commitment to tackling these issues through community engagement events and education.
Reducing knife crime
GMP collaborates with various partner agencies, including the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, to make referrals to support services and ensure victims of serious violence receive assistance.
Kate Green, deputy mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire acknowledges the progress in reducing knife crime in Greater Manchester but stresses the need for continued efforts. Operation Sceptre provides an opportunity to intensify awareness, education, and removal of knives from the streets.
Green encourages individuals with information about knife crime to use Forever Amnesty bins or seek help and support through campaigns like #SpeakingOutCouldSaveALife.
