Operation Sceptre launched in bid to tackle knife crime

Work to tackle knife crime in Derbyshire is in the spotlight this week as part of a national knife crime campaign (May 19-23). 

Operation Sceptre, run by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), is a twice-yearly opportunity to educate people on knife crime and keep weapons off the streets. 

Officers have visited schools and colleges, knife sweeps are being conducted in parks and amnesty bins have been placed at central locations to allow people to hand in any unwanted weapons. 

PCSO Brian Buller from Glossop YET and Mrs Brenda Smith, Volunteer Cadet Leader, have visited Glossopdale School & Sixth Form and St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy promoting Operation Sceptre. They highlighted the message that ‘7 out 10 young people who carry a knife will then have the knife used against them’. 

They are also promoting Fearless.org - which is an online reporting tool specifically designed for young people to report crime 100% anonymously. 

As well as this highly visible work, teams will also continue to gather intelligence and target offenders behind-the-scenes. 

Chief Inspector Mike Sisman, from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Partnership & Prevention team said: “Tackling knife crime is a top priority for us in Derbyshire, and it is always pleasing, during Sceptre, to see the year-round work of our officers being showcased. 

“We are all too aware of the tragic consequences of carrying a knife and the devastating ripple effect that this can have across our communities and will remain steadfast in our work to combat this.” 

In Derbyshire, preventative work is at the core of tackling knife crime, and the latest figures show a drop in knife crime of around 13% between 2023 and 2024 according to the Office for National Statistics. 

Chief Inspector Sisman added: "While we welcome these latest figures, we know that our efforts must continue and that this is not the time to become complacent. Our preventative work around knife crime will continue, particularly the work we do in schools to educate and inform children. 

“It is clear that involvement in knife crime often forms part of wider criminality, so it is crucial that we put preventative measures in place as early as possible. We know that those who carry a knife are more likely to be victims themselves, and rather than keeping them safe, carrying a knife, actually puts them in greater danger. 

“We are committed to maintaining our close relationship with partner agencies who can advise and encourage young people to think about their behaviours and signpost them to organisations who can educate them and offer a diversion from crime. 

“Not only will officers be working in a visible way, but they will continue to work behind the scenes, too, gathering intelligence and targeting offenders, as well as preventing incidents from happening.” 

If you have any information or would like to make a report relating to knife crime, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.