New Knife Crime Crackdown Launched Nationwide
Operation Sceptre kicks off today (16 May) and runs until 22 May, targeting knife crime with a fresh focus on the latest Offensive Weapons Act (2019) updates.
What’s Changed? Tougher Rules on Knives and Online Sales
- Stricter age checks for online weapon purchases
- Enhanced courier verification on deliveries
- New bans on certain weapons, even in private homes
Police will be hitting the streets hard while also educating young people, parents, carers, and schools about the dangers and legal changes aimed at curbing violent crime.
Community Effort to Slash Knife Crime
This operation is a joint effort involving police, local councils, public health officials, youth workers, and charities. Their mission? To stop knife crime in its tracks and keep young people safe from gangs and violence.
“Knife crime remains a top priority for us nationally and here in Wiltshire,” said Assistant Chief Constable Dave Minty. “Thankfully knife crime numbers here are low, but we’re not taking anything for granted. For those affected, the damage is devastating.”
Minty added: “Most kids never think of carrying a knife, but sadly possession is rising nationally. Many youngsters say they carry blades ‘for protection,’ but that only puts them at risk of serious harm or death.”
Police and Officials Vow Zero Tolerance
Operation Sceptre is all about educating and preventing knife crime before it happens, said Minty. “We’ll continue to investigate every knife-related incident thoroughly.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson echoed this, saying: “Wiltshire Police are doing great work, but more must be done to make communities not just safe, but feel safe. Early intervention is key to stopping young people getting caught up in knife crime.”
“Prevention will always be better than cure.”
Speak Up: How to Report Knife Crime
If you know someone carrying a knife or involved in knife crime, call 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For full details on the Offensive Weapons Act, visit The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 – GOV.UK.
