Cumbria Police will be educating young people and carrying out test purchasing operations as part of its support for Op Sceptre a national, week-long knife crime campaign, beginning on Monday (13 May 2024).
Operation Sceptre is a national policing operation which aims to make streets safer across the country via a number of means including by providing the opportunity for potentially dangerous and harmful blades to be removed from our streets by giving people the opportunity to dispose of knives anonymously and safely in amnesty bins at local Police Stations.
During the week, police officers will be visiting local schools to help educate young people about the potential consequences that can result from carrying a knife, whilst neighbourhood policing team officers will be conducting test purchasing operations to ensure retailers are not selling knives to children.
Chief Inspector Steve Hunter said: “The Constabulary regularly supports Operation Sceptre and during the May week of action we will be concentrating our efforts on educating and informing young people, as well as ensuring that local commercial premises are aware of their responsibilities with regards the sale of knives.
“Knife crime impacts all communities and educating young people is a vital part of our efforts here in Cumbria as we work together to ensure the county remains one of the safest places in the country to live and visit."
Someone in possession of a knife is not only increasing the risk of harm to themselves but could also face a fine of £5,000 and a four-year prison sentence.
Ch Insp Hunter said: “Op Sceptre week includes an amnesty opportunity where people can bring in unwanted but potentially dangerous knives and other bladed articles, so they can be disposed of safely.
“It is a quick process and your action will help make your community a safer place.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Being in possession of a weapon means that you are more likely to use it or have it used against you– this is a risk none of us should take.
“Operation Sceptre is an incredibly positive, pro-active initiative that allows the public to hand over a potentially dangerous knife or bladed weapon without fear of repercussion.
“Knife crime can devastate multiple lives so I would urge anyone who is in possession of a sharp object that could be used as a weapon to hand it in to one of the Police boxes around the county.
“This is also a great opportunity to speak to our children about the risks around knife crime.
“Cumbria is a safe county so please help to keep it safe and protect our communities.”
Anyone wishing to hand a knife or bladed article in should put them in a box or strong bag. Never attempt to take an uncovered knife or bladed article out in public. Members of the public are also advised to go directly to a designated station when handing in such items.
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