Sceptre – week of action

An annual week of action to tackle knife crime launches across all UK police forces today, supported by officers from Lincolnshire.

Teams will be deploying knife arches, carrying out proactive operations to disrupt suspected criminal activity, and educating our young people through The Happening, a knife crime initiative which is an immersive experience designed to divert people away from carrying a knife and becoming involved in serious violence.

The Happening challenges thinking, looks to dispel myths and remove the ‘glamour’ that is spoken about openly within young people’s lives and social media streams.

Sceptre, which is spearheaded by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), launches today (Monday, 13 May 2024) and lasts for one week and showcases the many varied and impactful ways in which policing is working to reduce knife crime and tackle violence across the UK.

The work we are conducting on Sceptre supports the year-round activity our officers undertake to tackle knife crime as part of Lincolnshire Police’s Operation Raptor. Activity throughout the year includes engaging with local communities, proactive patrols, stop and searches, proactive warrants, carrying out test purchases with retailers, and acting on police-led and community intelligence about the people who may carry a weapon on our streets.

Chief Inspector Carrie Diamond leads the Force’s response to tackling knife crime. She said: “Tackling knife crime, and the other offences which are often associated, is a priority for the Force. Evidence and insights show that young people often carry a knife for protection and/or out of fear, thinking that it can somehow keep them safe. But we know that actually, carrying a knife can mean you’re more likely to have it used against you.

“We work year-round to understand how we can solve this problem, and a large part is education and engagement with young people, as well as other disruption activity we carry out. We have a message for younger people who might already carry a weapon, or be thinking about, or perhaps they know someone who does: we know that what your peers say can have a big influence, so make a choice to be the person who says no if a friend suggests risky actions like picking up a knife.

“Make a choice to step away from people involved in that kind of crime. In policing, we know there is more to be done, and working with other agencies is key to that. This includes charities and community groups, local authorities and schools. We are left dealing with the awful consequences, and if we need to work together to fix the problem.”