Knife Crime

Operation Sceptre

Operation Sceptre returns to South Yorkshire. This a nationwide week long campaign that focusses on raising awareness of knife crime and police activity to tackle it.

Throughout the week we will be taking part in targeted activity and operations to disrupt criminal activity and knife crime. We will also be raising awareness of knife crime and the devastating effects it can have on families and the wider community, through presentations in schools.

You can find out more about the changes to the Offensive Weapons Act below, which now means it is an offence to possess certain weapons in private as well as public. If you have a knife or any other weapons you can now hand them into us at one of our knife bins this week no questions asked.

Knife bin locations

Sheffield

Moss Way police station

1. Ecclesfield police station

2. Snig Hill police station

Barnsley

1. Churchfields police station

Doncaster

1. Warmsworth Road/Aneley Road

2. Broxholme Lane/Netherhall Road.

3.Wood Street, Mexbrough

4.By the side of Schofield street,  Mexbrough.

Rotherham

1. Main Street police station

Offensive Weapons Act 2019

The Offensive Weapons Act has changed. Whilst it has always been an offence to carry a bladed article in a public place, it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private.

What we mean by private is a place other than:

• a public place
• school premises
• further education premises, or
• a prison

You can watch the video below from the National Police Chiefs Council for more information on what this means for you. 

We have also created this guide, which details all the weapons that fall under this act. 

What are we doing to tackle knife crime?

We are all too aware of the consequences and impact knife crime can have on individuals, their families and the wider communities.

Knife crime and violent crime continuities to be a priority for us and we are making progress to tackle this issue.

Dedicated teams

We have dedicated teams that carry out targeted enforcement every day throughout the year. These teams work to disrupt criminal activity and remove weapons from the streets. Their work Includes stop searches, vehicle checks, warrants and high visibility patrols.

Neighbourhood Teams

Our local neighbourhood teams work with the community to locate and seize weapons, make arrests for possession of knives and other banned weapons and disrupt the drug supply networks. This is particularly important, as we know there are clear links between violent crime and drug supply.

Education

A vital part of our work is through education. Educating younger people about the dangers of carrying knives and encouraging parents to speak to their children about the consequences of this. We work closely with schools and community groups who are able to share these messages and prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

Recent and tragic cases have shown how vital it is for us to work with young people about the consequences of carrying a knife and how one decision can change the rest of their lives.

What is knife crime?

A knife is classed as an offensive weapon. Knife crime includes any offence where a sharp instrument is used or possessed that would pierce the skin.

Knife crime includes:

• carrying a knife or trying to buy a knife if you are under 18
• threatening someone with a knife
• owning a banned knife
• injuring or murdering somebody with a knife
• intent to injure or harm somebody with a knife
• a robbery or burglary where a knife was

Support and advice

There is lots of help and advice out there and organisations that can help.

You can find information about knife crime and help and advice on the website knivestakelives.co.uk