Derbyshire Police issue firm warning after boy, 15, detained as part of knife crime crackdown

Officers conducted a stop and search on the boy, who lives in the town, in Market Street on Saturday, 7 November and found two small bags of cannabis, but no knife.

Inspector Rich Keene, who is the operational lead for knife crime for Derbyshire police, said: “This action shows that we will take swift action when we receive intelligence regarding people illegally carrying knives, particularly when it involves young people.

“Thankfully the boy was not found with a knife, however he must now face the consequences of being found with an illegal substance. These consequences would have been far harsher had he had a knife on him, however, more worrying is the danger he would have been putting himself and others in."

The boy, who has not been named publicly, will now be interviewed in company with one of his parents.

Inspector Keene added: “I would urge young people and their carers to consider these consequences and know that if they do carry a knife we will be taking positive action against them in every case.”

The stop and search action was taken as part of Operation Sceptre, a national campaign against knife crime.

Derbyshire Constabulary’s Project Zao, which is aimed at reducing knife crime in the county, runs all year round.

Anyone concerned about a person they think is carrying a knife should contact Derbyshire Constabulary or Crimestoppers.