Police are taking “enhanced action” to tackle the scourge of knife crime in the community in the coming week.
As part of an operation titled ‘Sceptre’, raids are being carried out at addresses across the Northumbria Police area to locate and arrest those suspected of violence, with associated weapons sweeps taking place.
In conjunction with local authority trading standards teams, test purchases are being made to ensure retailers are complying with regulations around the sale of knives.
Backed by colleagues in the force Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and funded by the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), police are holding engagement sessions at schools and colleges to emphasise to young people the dangers of choosing to pick up and carry knives.
This includes an input from the Connor Brown Trust, set up by the family of the Sunderland teenager killed by a knife carrier in the city, in 2019.
Along with counterparts from British Transport Police, teams are riding the rails on the Tyne and Wear Metro system to detect knife crime issues and also engage with commuters, passing on safety advice in the process.
Following funding from the VRU, police are running the Pointless Knife Exchange Scheme, pioneered by police in the Kent and Medway area, which allows eligible households and other settings the opportunity to swap pointed kitchen knives for new, high-quality, safer-design knives which do not have a sharp-pointed tip.
They are just as effective for cooking but have a significantly reduced risk of harm if they are misused.
Superintendent Scott Cowie, of Northumbria Police’s dedicated prevention department, said: “This week’s activity very much builds on the ongoing work which is carried out in our communities each and every day to stay on top of weapons-based violence.
“Please be reassured we are aware of the seriousness of this issue and the concerns it raises with the public.
“That is why we use a variety of tactics to disrupt knife crime, seize harmful weapons and do our utmost to bring those responsible to justice.
“As always, we greatly appreciate the support of the public and we know how valuable your information is.
“To those who care for young people, we’d ask that you warn them of the extreme dangers that come with getting involved in knife crime.
“While we continue to carry out proactive work to address the issue, we also understand that it is a societal one too in which we all have a part to play.
“If you do have concerns around suspected knife crime in your area, let us know so that we can further build up our intelligence picture and respond accordingly.”
As part of Sceptre, knife surrender bins are out in place at police stations across the force area, including Southwick in Sunderland, Millbank in South Shields and Gateshead.
Members of the public can check station front office opening times at the following link: Find a police station | Police.uk
Northumbria PCC, Susan Dungworth said: “Knife crime can have a devastating and lasting impact on individuals, families and communities, which is why preventing violence and keeping people safe remains a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.
“This week of action builds on the work in communities throughout the year and reflects on the strong partnership approach being taken to prevent violence, support young and vulnerable people, and tackle offending.
“It will see a range of intensified activity carried out by Northumbria Police, including arrests and targeted patrols in key areas.
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Suspected knife crime can be reported by sending Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or by using the ‘live chat’ or ‘report’ forms on the force website.
For those unable to make contact in those ways, they should ring 101, or, in an emergency situation, the advice is always to ring 999.
Suspected criminality can also be reported via the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling (0800) 555111.
