National campaign against knife crime

Suffolk Constabulary is joining police forces across the country to support Operation Sceptre, a week-long national campaign to tackle knife crime and the associated risks of carrying a bladed weapon, as well as targeting offenders who use and carry knives. Taking place between Monday 16 and Sunday 22 May, the week of intensified action will see Suffolk officers carrying out a variety of activities including:
Presentations and workshops at schools and colleges to deliver information on knife crime, County Lines and gangs
High visibility patrols
Conducting weapon sweeps in public
Visiting local retailers to ensure the safe sale of knives
Intelligence-led deployments
Sergeant Andrew Kirk said: “The week of action highlights our continued commitment to tackle knife-related crime. We take a collaborative approach and work with a number of partners to help keep our communities safe, including councils, schools, colleges and youth services, pubs and clubs, British Transport Police, Crimestoppers and Trading Standards. The consequences of knife crime can be devastating to individuals, families and communities and we really want to make clear to everyone that carrying a knife doesn’t make you safer; it puts you and other lives’ at greater risk – and it is illegal. Early intervention is key and we encourage parents and carers to talk about knife crime in a family setting. There is plenty of useful information available on our website as well as advice for young people about gang/County Lines culture and how to leave a gang.”
For more information and advice regarding Having The Conversation see http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/personal-safety/knife-crime/having-conversation
Knife amnesty bins across the county also give people the opportunity to dispose of knives and blades safely. Three knife bins are located in Ipswich (outside the Fire Station, Queen’s Way and Bramford Road) and at police stations in Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Mildenhall, Sudbury and Haverhill and in Stowmarket at the junction of Stricklands Road and Ipswich Street.  Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “Operation Sceptre gives the Constabulary an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime – I fully support this work.  It is so important we work with schools, businesses and parents as we will only make a difference if we work together. Talking about the implications of carrying a knife – both at home and at school – is so important. As a parent I know how difficult these conversations can be, but I would urge parents and carers to take advantage of Operation Sceptre’s week of action to broach the subject at home. Knife crime is an increasing problem nationally and it’s got to stop. Carrying a knife doesn’t make you safe and sadly, as we all know, it can lead to dreadful consequences.” Anyone with information on knife crime in their local community is asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101, or pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999. For more information and advice about knife crime please visit: https://news.mailshot.suffolk.police.uk/5655FDBB1E97472D4698166A805BE9E6506C4034ED12379455C7973E6BEE3DCE/A9DCF45D0720A8FAAC83C0A8C024C565/LE35/personal-safety/knife-crime