Sussex Police intensify efforts to tackle knife crime during Sceptre week
Campaign highlights year-round commitment to reducing violence
Sussex Police have been reinforcing their commitment to reducing knife crime and serious violence through a series of initiatives during Sceptre week, which began on 18th May.
This focused week resulted in 23 knife-related arrests, three successful stop and searches for knives, and 199 knives or weapons surrendered.
Community engagement and arrests
Officers reached out to the community through 73 school talks and 30 street events to promote knife crime prevention, alongside 22 test purchases of knives, although three initially failed with corrective actions planned.
During Sceptre week, a stop check on a BMW in Woodingdean led to arrests over drug supply and the seizure of cash, a knife, and drugs. Two men were bailed until 19th August.
A stop at Snow Hill of a Fiat 500 recovered a lock knife and drugs, resulting in charges against Pietro De-Luca, held on bail until 4th September.
In Crawley, a 16-year-old was arrested with a knife and bailed until 21st August, while a Bognor incident saw a 30-year-old woman arrested for attempted GBH, bailed until 8th July.
Chief Inspector Jim Loader shared insights on the ongoing impact of knife crime, stating,
“We've seen a 24% reduction in knife crime, yet we remain vigilant in our mission. Education is key in disproving the norm of carrying knives. We're committed to supporting the Ben Kinsella foundation and to #KnivesCostLives."
Funding and future actions
Sussex Police secured nearly £600k from the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund to address knife crime in hotspot areas, including Brighton, Crawley, and Eastbourne.
These funds will support interventions tailored to tackle the root causes of knife crime.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne emphasised the life-altering impact of knife crime and the importance of comprehensive approaches alongside enforcement, stating,
“Knife crime ruins lives instantly. New laws are helping but integrated approaches like Sceptre week are essential for lasting change. The message remains: lose the knife, not a life.”
Sussex Police urge anyone concerned about knife carriage to report directly or anonymously via Fearless, reinforcing that community cooperation is vital for a safer environment.