Leicestershire Police Officers are starting a week of knife crime action as part of national Operation Sceptre.
The seven-day operation, starting today (Monday, 11 March), sits alongside the force’s established #LivesNotKnives campaign and partnership work which aims to reduce knife crime by targeting those carrying weapons and disrupting the supply of knives available to use.
Members of the public will be able to hand over unwanted knives to surrender bins at Mansfield House, Spinney Hill, Wigston, and Market Harborough police stations.
The force’s knife arch will also be at undisclosed locations to target those carrying knives.
Superintendent Shane O’Neill, who leads the force’s response to knife crime, said: “We are aware that knife crime nationally is in the headlines at the moment.
“Officers across the neighbourhood policing and priority response teams will undertake targeted intelligence led patrols throughout this time and use their stop and search powers, where appropriate.
“This weeks intensification activity has long been planned and is just one of the many strands of work we do to tackle knife crime as part of our well established #LivesNotKnives campaign.
“This includes working with partner agencies to ensure young people get the message that carrying a knife can have serious and devastating consequences, as well as where to get appropriate advice and support if you have concerns about a friend, family member or another person carrying a bladed weapon.
“This type of criminality will not be tolerated on our streets and we will do everything we can to ensure offenders are caught and dealt with appropriately.
“We are committed to supporting this national operation and will use our stop and search powers to prevent and detect crime, identify those who intend to cause harm and disrupt criminal networks.”
Leicestershire Police NPA
Demonstrating the arch outside the Co-op on Aikman Avenue New Parks this afternoon. (Saturday 15th March)
The police are running this campaign and they could set up this Arch which Detects knifes and other weapons anywhere in the city.
For more knife crime resources, or advice for those carrying a knife or those who know someone who is, visit our knife crime page
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