Knife amnesty launched by police officers

POLICE in Derbyshire are taking part in Operation Sceptre – a national week of intensification in the fight against knife crime.

A key feature of Operation Sceptre is hosting a knife amnesty. This allows people to hand in their unwanted blades to various drop off-points at police stations around the county.

This year, amnesty bins will be hosted by local teams at various locations across the following areas: Swadlincote; High Peak; Derbyshire Dales; Derby North; Derby West; Amber Valley; Erewash; Buxton; St Mary’s Wharf, and Chesterfield.

Superintendent Sarah Mcaughtrie, operational lead for knife crime across Derbyshire, said: “In Derbyshire, teams and partners work together tirelessly to reduce serious violence and knife crime all year round, and during this week we will be highlighting this amazing work and doing even more.

“We understand that it is a small minority of people who feel that it is acceptable to carry a knife. However, the consequences can be devastating when they do, and we want people to continue to feel safe when they go out and to understand that carrying a knife brings with it more risk than protection.”

Derbyshire Police say during the week officers will be out and about and engaging with communities, as well as taking part in anti-knife crime activities with local groups and schools.

Supt Mcaughtrie said: “Throughout the week, we will be highlighting a vast range of what we do around knife crime, including how we work with local authorities and schools to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime.

“There is also some excellent work ongoing through licensing and the Community Safety Partnership around nights out and deterring anyone from thinking they can bring such items into pubs, bars or clubs.

“We do also need the public to help us by looking out for each other and telling us if they have concerns about an individual who they believe may be considering carrying a weapon or actually doing so.

“We can act on that information to make sure everyone is equipped with the information to make the right decisions, decisions that can have a huge impact on their future.

“Operation Sceptre is a great opportunity to get people talking and to make people think twice.”

Police urge anyone who knows or thinks someone is carrying a knife to call 101 or contact the force through social media.