Massive Knife Crackdown Across Sussex Nets Dozens of Arrests
Sussex Police launched a major offensive against knife crime from May 16 to 22, combining education, engagement, and enforcement in a blitz that saw dozens of knives seized and multiple arrests.
Operation Sceptre Smashes Knives and Crime in Brighton and Hove
Officers in Brighton and Hove arrested 16 people during targeted Op Sceptre actions, including two wanted for unrelated offences. Volunteers carried out 17 knife sweeps, recovering one knife and seven other weapons, alongside two additional arrests.
More than 2,500 locals were engaged in serious conversations about knife crime, with police vans setting up in busy spots, including nightlife areas focusing on violence against women and girls. Shops weren’t spared either — 80 stores were checked to prevent knife theft, with 13 failing underage test purchases.
In a show of goodwill, thirteen knives and six weapons were anonymously dropped in an amnesty bin at John Street Police Station.
East Sussex Cracks Down With Sweeps and School Visits
East Sussex officers carried out 28 searches and ten knife sweeps across the county. Special focus was placed on Eastbourne schools, where cops checked for hidden weapons and worked with staff to boost security.
After reports of teenagers with a machete near Hailsham, officers raided a home uncovering a large kitchen knife, thousands in cannabis, and cash – the investigation is ongoing.
In Hastings, seven deadly weapons—including butterfly knives, a zombie knife, a throwing star, and even a Samurai sword—were seized from one property.
About 1,500 students at Bexhill Academy got the hard-hitting knife crime message thanks to youth support group KnowKnives. Five arrests were made for violent, weapons, and drug offences.
West Sussex Sees 150 Weapons Seized and Schools Educated
West Sussex officers seized or received 150 weapons during the week. They also visited 17 schools, educating 1,200 students and advising staff on knife crime safety.
Three knife sweeps targeted problem areas, alongside joint work with British Transport Police at Worthing Railway Station, where cannabis was seized using dog sniffs and knife detection equipment.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Backs The Blitz
“Sussex Police continue in their relentless pursuit of those involved in serious violence and associated criminality, successfully driving down knife crime and taking dangerous offenders off our county’s streets,” said Commissioner Katy Bourne.
“Carrying a knife is not a safety guarantee. It just puts you, your family, friends and those around you in danger. Think first and lose the knife, not a life.”
Chief Inspector Simon Yates added: “Operation Sceptre showcased the power of partnership working to fight knife crime. Sussex remains a safe place to live, with knife crime rates dropping well below the national average.”
