From today officers from Greater Manchester Police will be joining police forces across the country to support Operation Sceptre.
Operation Sceptre is a national initiative which runs twice per year and aims to; reduce knife crime by targeting those carrying weapons; disrupt the supply of knives; raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime; and provide young people with positive alternatives to crime.
During the week-long operation, GMP’s knife arches will be deployed at undisclosed locations targeting those carrying knives along with any other criminality.
In addition, officers will be carrying out weapon sweeps of local parks and open spaces; stop and search activity – where appropriate; visiting habitual knife carriers to explain the dangers and consequences that can come from carrying a knife; and visiting local retailers and provide them with the guidance on the responsible sale of knives.
Officers will also be engaging with local schools and youth provision to educate young people on the impact of knife crime and provide intervention opportunities. Knife crime awareness classes will take place and act as a forum for teachers and pupils to discuss aspects that lead to knife carrying and offer prevent advice and support.
GMP’s knife crime lead, Superintendent Chris Downey, said: “Knife crime remains a priority and together with our partners in the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) we are working hard to make a difference in our communities.
“The Operation Sceptre weeks of action are not the only time of the year we dedicate to tackling knife crime. We are working hard each and every day to disrupt and deter violent crime across Greater Manchester with the ultimate aim of keeping people safe.
“As well as deploying officers to knife crime hot-spots, it is important we understand and tackle the root cause of violent crime so that we can provide long-term solutions and prevent the same problem from reoccurring. We will arrest and bring people to justice where required, but it’s equally as important for us to work with partners to get people the help they need to stop them from becoming involved in violent crime in the first place.
“The police can’t tackle knife crime alone; we need the continued support from our communities. We need the people of Greater Manchester’s help to share our message and talk openly with family members and friends, to ensure that we prevent anyone from carrying or using a knife.”
If you have concerns that someone you know or care about is carrying or hiding a knife, help is available via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or the Fearless campaign website: https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info.
If you wish to report an incident, please call the Police on 101 or talk to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Notes to Editors: The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit was set up in 2019, with funding from the Home Office, to bring together police, local authorities, youth services, health, education and schools, as well as other criminal justice partners, to tackle serious violence.
Partners are engaging with schools to increase awareness of the consequences of getting involved in violent crime, identifying and working with young people at risk, and developing a community-led approach to prevention and early intervention.
Alongside this, police are carrying out targeted enforcement activity to seize weapons, intercept the illegal purchase of weapons and provide reassurance to communities affected by violent crime.
