Greater Manchester Police takes part in national knife crime initiative

Knives binned during a previous week of action

Officers from Greater Manchester Police joined police forces across the country to support Operation Sceptre this week (from Monday 26 April).

Operation Sceptre is a national initiative which runs twice per year and aims to reduce knife crime by targeting those carrying weapons, whilst disrupting the supply of knives and raising awareness of the dangers of knife crime.

During the week-long operation, GMP's knife arches were deployed at undisclosed locations targeting those carrying knives along with any other criminality.

In addition, officers carried out weapon sweeps of local parks and open spaces; stop and search activity - where appropriate; visiting habitual knife carriers to explain the dangers and consequences that can come from carrying a knife; and visiting local retailers and provide them with the guidance on the responsible sale of knives.

Officers also engaged with local schools and youth provision to educate young people on the impact of knife crime and provide intervention opportunities. Knife crime awareness classes took place to act as a forum for teachers and pupils to discuss aspects that lead to knife carrying and offer prevent advice and support.  

GMP's knife crime lead, Superintendent Chris Downey, said: “Knife crime remains a priority and together with our partners in the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) we are working hard to make a difference in our communities.

"The Operation Sceptre weeks of action are not the only time of the year we dedicate to tackling knife crime. We are working hard each and every day to disrupt and deter violent crime across Greater Manchester with the ultimate aim of keeping people safe.  

"As well as deploying officers to knife crime hot-spots, it is important we understand and tackle the root cause of violent crime so that we can provide long-term solutions and prevent the same problem from reoccurring. We will arrest and bring people to justice where required, but it's equally as important for us to work with partners to get people the help they need to stop them from becoming involved in violent crime in the first place.

"The police can't tackle knife crime alone; we need the continued support from our communities. We need the people of Greater Manchester's help to share our message and talk openly with family members and friends, to ensure that we prevent anyone from carrying or using a knife."

If you have concerns that someone you know or care about is carrying or hiding a knife, help is available via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or the Fearless campaign website: www.fearless.org/en/give-info.

If you wish to report an incident, please call the Police on 101 or talk via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.