Twenty five people arrested during week of action to tackle knife crime

Last week Suffolk Constabulary carried out a series of activities in support of Operation Sceptre, the national intensification week to tackle knife crime.

Over the course of the week, which ran from Monday to Sunday, May 15 to 22, officers carried out search warrants and weapon sweeps, as well as education and engagement activities, designed to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife. Activity included 29 school/college visits, 32 community events and 75 visits to retailers.

Inspector Liz Casey said: “Targeting those who carry weapons and disrupting the sale and supply of knives is something we do year-round. Op Sceptre allows us to put a spotlight on the issue for a week of intensified activity of education and enforcement to further raise awareness of the devastating consequences of knife crime.

“With 25 arrests relating to knife crime, it’s been a successful week in disrupting criminality in our communities.

“Education and prevention is key and we all have a responsibility to ensure young people understand the risks they face if they carry a knife. We had a great response from the workshops delivered in school and colleges, where our officers engaged with over 3,000 pupils in primary, secondary and further education settings.

“We’re also grateful for the continued support from retailers and officers visited 75 shops to remind them of their Challenge 25 responsibility. These, alongside community engagements which we carried out with our partners, highlight the importance of working with the public to prevent knife crime together.

“We want to dispel the myth that carrying a knife makes you safer – it doesn’t. It could land you a prison sentence of four years and you are more likely to use it or have it used on you if you carry it.

“If you have concerns that someone may be carrying a knife, please report it to police or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.”

Knives can be disposed of anonymously, year-round, in amnesty surrender bins which are located near most police stations in the county.

There are three in Ipswich (Princes Street outside the Fire Station, Queen’s Way and Bramford Road), at police stations in Lowestoft, Halesworth, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Haverhill, and at the emergency services hub in Mildenhall and in Stowmarket at the junction of Stricklands Road and Ipswich Street.