Sussex police are supporting Operation Spectre, a week long campaign that begins today amid the recent surge in knife violence across the country.
Featured image: Knives from last years Operation Spectre
© Sussex Police
Originally started by the Metropolitan Police Service, Operation Spectre aims to crack down the danger that knife crime creates, by educating young people who are most at risk. Throughout the week, officers in Brighton will be visiting colleges, youth clubs, and schools to inform and educate people about the dangers involved with carrying a knife. Police hope that this will mean that young-people will be involved in a nationwide conversation about knife crime.
Assistant Chief Constable Nick May has said:
“We are keenly aware of how much focus knife crime is getting in the media at the moment. We now need everyone to help continue keeping our county safe.”
“Operation Sceptre gives us a chance to talk about knife crime in a realistic and open fashion: we want to give young people the chance to stay safe, we do not want to demonise them. It is imperative we remind them they have choices in life, and that help is out there if they do not feel safe.”
As well as educating young people, targeted patrols will also be taking place, with officers working alongside British Transport Police and other partners to engage with those who are at risk of carrying knives.
The week is being supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne who has said:
“Getting killed or ending up with life changing injuries or a prison sentence because of knife crime is not a choice anybody would rationally make, but far too many young people are putting themselves at risk by choosing to carry a knife.
“The Operation Sceptre campaign will raise awareness of these dangers and provide opportunities for young people to discuss what might motivate them to carry a knife.
“I hope that the recent media coverage of families devastated by knife crime will encourage people to use the amnesty bins across the county and take unnecessary blades off our streets. Lose the knife, not your life.”
Police urge us to talk to young people, drop dangerous and unwanted blades into knife amnesty bins, and offer anonymous support through
Crimestoppers who can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
