Norfolk Police crack down on knife crime
Norfolk police are joining the nation in Operation Sceptre, to bring down knife crime and spread awareness
Norfolk Constabulary is supporting the national 'anti knife crime initiative' this week (18-24 May).
Operation Sceptre is a week of increased action and education, to reduce knife crime and highlight the work officers do, when tackling crime.
Throughout this week teams across Norfolk will be carrying out weapon sweeps, high visibility patrols and educational visits.
Sergeant Matt Payne from Norfolk Constabulary, thinks this grassroots approach is fundamental in tackling knife crime:
" We aren't looking to unnecessarily criminalise young people, we are looking at educating and supporting those people, so we can turn them away from their situation and give them the support that they need."
He said " if you feel the need to carry a knife, then stop. Talk to somebody and get yourself help, that knife is only likely to cause harm to somebody else or to yourself at some point in the future."
Throughout this week, members of the public are being urged to hand in unwanted knives, to stop them from getting into the wrong hands.
Sargent Mathews assured that dropping off these items at the allocated 'Public Enquiry Offices' wont get members of the public in trouble, instead its an opportunity to hand over items:
"If anyone's got bits and pieces hanging around at home that they think that they shouldn't have, now's your time to hand them in..
Perhaps they've acquired in an unknown or inappropriate way in the past, or the legislation has changed and outlawed something over a period of time,
A lot of people within our county might have old tools and old things hanging around. Wed encourage them to be brought in" He said.
Police cadets will also be performing test purchases, at retailers selling knifes.
Sargent Mathews told us that they work closely with the Trade and Standards agency to ensure retailers know their responsibilities when it comes to the sales of knives.
Knife crime in Norfolk has reduced, according to recent data,
Sargent Mathews said:
"Between 2025 to 2024, knife crime investigations dropped 5.1%.
Year on year, up to this present day, knife crime investigations have dropped a further 8.6%"
However, Sargent Matthews said this doesn't mean the hard work stops:
"Its certainly not time to take out foot of the gas."
Inspector Ian Cox also said: “While knife crime in Norfolk remains low, we cannot be complacent. Carrying a knife can have fatal consequences.
“If someone you know is carrying a knife you can report it to the police, speak to a trusted family member or teacher, or you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
Knives can be surrendered at Norfolk’s three Public Enquiry Offices:
Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1NN
Howard Street, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1PF
St James Road, King’s Lynn, PE30 5DE