Kent Police supports national campaign tackling knife crime

Kent Police’s work to tackle knife crime continues this week as we join with forces all over the country in a national week of action.

Operation Sceptre takes place from Monday 13 November to Sunday 19 November 2023 and will see a range of measures used to detect those carrying knives and recover potential weapons.

Officers will speak to young people at local schools to help educate them about the dangers of violent crime, enabling them to make better life choices.

Officers will also work with British Transport Police to prevent knives being brought into Kent via train services from other areas as well as retailers, including those who operate online, to find solutions to ensure weapons aren’t falling into the wrong hands.

Superintendent Pete Steenhuis said: ‘Some people may have a positive view of knife culture or consider themselves to be safer if they carry one. In reality carrying a knife increases your risk of being injured. It also increases the risk of the people around you being injured too.

‘Tackling knife crime remains a force priority and we take a zero-tolerance approach to knives and weapons in our communities at all times.

‘This operation is an extension of the relentless work our officers already do, night and day, to keep communities safe.

‘It enables us to place an even greater focus on targeting habitual knife carriers and reducing crime.’