'We cannot afford any more lives being tragically lost through knife crime': Derbyshire police joins anti-knife campaign

Derbyshire Constabulary are taking part in a week-long anti-knife crime campaign with forces across the country, to help change the mindset that ‘carrying a knife is normal’.
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Operation Sceptre is an initiative for officers nationally to target those carrying knives and to enforce how offenders caught in possession of the weapon will be prosecuted.

It comes after the latest Covid-19 regulations forced the police to postpone their planned knife amnesty.

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Inspector Rich Keene said: “Operation Sceptre is a vital tool in our fight against knife crime and the causes of it and links closely with our on-going Project Zao.

Derbyshire police are joining forces across the country in a week-long national anti-knife crime campaign.Derbyshire police are joining forces across the country in a week-long national anti-knife crime campaign.
Derbyshire police are joining forces across the country in a week-long national anti-knife crime campaign.

“The action we take this week compliments our year-round campaign of education and enforcement on weapon enabled criminality.

"Derbyshire has been at the forefront in the battle against violence and its causes, with knife crime being one of our key priorities.

“We will be targeting those that carry knives and hope it starts up a positive dialogue between young people, their families, carers and educators.

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"The message is clear - If you carry a knife we will focus on you relentlessly and when you are caught you will be subject of prosecution with positive action taken in every case.

“The safety of residents and strong communities are our priority and we will continue to work tirelessly with yourselves and partners to ensure that this is the case.

"We cannot afford any more lives being tragically and senselessly lost through knife crime and its potential effects on us all.”

Derbyshire Constabulary are working alongside Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to visit shops this week to give advice on the laws surrounding selling knives, while officers target those suspected of carrying knives in public place knife sweeps.

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The force hopes this week’s action will start a ‘positive’ dialogue between young people, their families, carers and educators about the harm knives cause.

Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa added: “Knife crime presents a very serious threat to young people today.

"While we are doing everything we can to prevent those at risk from carrying weapons, it’s also vital we take practical steps to stop violence claiming more lives unnecessarily. “That’s why, earlier in the year, I invested in trauma kits and training for businesses and the voluntary sector, particularly those who work in the night-time economy.

"This gives people the vital knowledge and skills they need to act swiftly in a medical emergency before paramedics arrive.

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“Knife crime has catastrophic consequences, and this kit and training could greatly increase the odds of an individual’s survival.

"But we must do more, which is why I welcome this week of action. It emphasises that, lockdown or not, we must continue to work together, police, partners and communities, to change the mindset that carrying a knife is normal.

"It isn’t.

"It’s a criminal offence and it’s lethally dangerous.

“The police cannot work in isolation and I’m proud to see that in Derbyshire, there is a strong unified approach to tackling the issues that lead to serious violence and knife crime in particular.”

Anyone worried about someone who may be carrying a knife should contact officers on Facebook, Twitter, their website or by calling 101.

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You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.