Devon and Cornwall Police Strike Hard in Operation Sceptre Knife Crime Crackdown
From 14 to 20 November, all 43 police forces across the UK, including the British Transport Police, joined forces to tackle knife crime head-on in the national Operation Sceptre week of action. Devon & Cornwall Police took no prisoners, ramping up patrols, stop-and-searches, and education campaigns to slash knife-related incidents.
Blades Binned and Streets Safer
- 102 knives removed from Devon and Cornwall streets (98 via amnesty bins, 4 seized)
- 6 arrests made – 2 for knife offences, 4 for other crimes
- 1 property search warrant executed for offensive weapons
- 35 targeted patrols cracking down on knife carriers
- 26 schools visited offering vital knife crime awareness and education
- 17 diversion visits made to steer at-risk individuals away from carrying blades
- 3 Offensive Weapon Warning Notices handed out
Police Talk Tough on Knife Crime
“Devon and Cornwall is one of the safest places to live in the country,” said Detective Superintendent Scott Bradley. “Our latest stats show just 42 knife crimes per 100,000 people – one of the lowest rates nationwide. But we don’t take knife crime lightly. We remain proactive, educating the public and removing knives from the streets.”
“Knife carrying is rare here, but we must keep challenging perceptions and prosecute anyone who causes harm. We urge the public to report any suspicious activity to police or CrimeStoppers.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Urges Vigilance
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, added: “Every weapon taken off the streets makes our communities safer. Thanks to everyone who handed in knives during the amnesty.
“Although violent crime here remains lower than most areas, recent rises in violence are worrying. I warn anyone carrying weapons that tackling this is a top policing priority.
“I’m especially concerned about youth violence. Many young people don’t understand the serious risks of carrying knives. I’m pleased the police used Operation Sceptre to educate children in schools about the terrible damage knife crime causes.”
