Op Sceptre – Knife Crime 

Operation Sceptre is about cracking down on knife crime which we know has a devastating impact not just on the victim but their families and the wider communities. It can also be life changing for anyone who is caught carrying a knife, we know those who carry knives are just as likely to be a victim of knife crime. The sheer number of arrests and seizures made across England and Wales sends a clear message that we will not tolerate knife crime in any form.

Throughout the year we are working hard to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife and take early intervention measures to prevent young people from getting involved in knife crime in the first place.

What is knife crime?

Knife crime is any crime involving a knife or sharp object. This includes carrying a knife, owning a banned knife, trying to buy a knife if you are under 18, and/or threatening, injuring, or fatally wounding someone with a knife.

An offensive weapon is defined as any item that has been made or adapted for the intention to cause hurt or harm to another person, under the Offences Weapon Act 2019. The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 act has been updated to make it illegal to possess zombie and flick knives in private. It is also important to note that pepper spray is illegal to possess in the UK and is classed as a firearm under Section 5 (1)b of the Firearms Act 1968.

Self-defence or self-protection are not valid reasons for carrying a knife or offensive weapons, and this choice could have profound consequences for that person, including serious or fatal injury to themselves or others, and a criminal record.

You can report matters anonymously to Crimestoppers. 

0800 555 111 

100% anonymous. Always. 

The Steer Clear programme sees other agencies, such as paramedics and voluntary organisations, working together with the Police to offer support to young people, and their families, who are on the periphery of becoming involved in knife crime. Early intervention initiatives such as this are incredibly effective at diverting young people away from criminal behaviour.

During the week members of the public are being encouraged to drop off unwanted knives and blades in dedicated knife surrender bins to ensure they are disposed of safely and do not get in the wrong hands. The nearest surrender bin location is at Telford- Malinsgate Police Station, Telford, TF3 4HW. 

If you would like more information regarding this subject or to discuss this further, please contact one of the team below.

The Knife Angel is a contemporary sculpture created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre. It serves as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression. Standing 27ft (8m) high, the Knife Angel is made from about 100,000 bladed weapons collected through knife amnesty bins from 43 police forces. It features messages from families of the victims of knife crime engraved on its wings. Since 2017 the Sculpture has toured the country with the aim of reminding people of the dangers of knife crime.