Operation Sceptre Knife sweeps

As part of our activities during Operation Sceptre- a national week of knife crime awareness and intensification, we work with local partners to conduct weapons sweeps of local parks, or areas known to have had weapons stored at. Nationally weapons have been found stashed in hedges, drains, culverts, in trees and also stamped into mud in a bid to dispose of a knife used in crime, or a storage location to retrieve at a later date. Ensuring these weapons are taken off our streets, and not to be used by offenders at a later time is imperative in reducing knife crime related incidents. 

Officers from Abbey, Littleover and Mickleover neighbourhood teams joined with local councillors and volunteer community groups to conduct knife sweeps and litter picks of the park. It was a good opportunity to discuss other concerns in the area and build intelligence. 

The groups conducted knife sweeps on Sunnydale Park, Caxton Park and King Georges Playing fields and fortunately no weapons were found at those locations. Intel around possible drug use or dealing is being developed following conversations with residents. 

Our activities this week shine a focus on what we do all year round, whether that be educational inputs on knife crime to schools and groups, to surrender bins or stop searches and arrests. 

Thank you to all local residents, Friends of Littleover Park and Carlisle against Crime who braved the adverse weather to support these endeavours. 

Sam 12829