Sceptre week of action sees knives seized across the county

Last week, in a concerted effort to combat knife crime, our force undertook a series of intensive actions as part of the national initiative - Sceptre.

 

Knife bins were installed inside of front counters in local stations across the county including Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Peterlee and Darlington, where people could deposit weapons, they no longer used, anonymously.

 

As well as the bin installations, officers took proactive steps to tackle weapon-based violence through engagement and enforcement.

 

Officers conducted over 35 stop and searches throughout the week, with nearly half directly related to knife crime. These searches led to the confiscation of various weapons, including machetes, hunting knives, lock knives and kitchen knives.

 

Among the arrests was a male suspect detained for carrying a knife following a domestic abuse report. The weapon seized from him is now part of the evidence in the ongoing investigation.

 

As an added measure of security, 32 hand-held metal detectors were again deployed in traffic cars. These metal-detecting wands are intended to enhance safety by detecting knives during lawful searches post-arrest, although they will not replace traditional physical searches.

 

Sergeant Matt Fussey said: "Carrying a knife only puts you at greater risk of coming to harm.

 

"The impact knife crime can have on individuals, families and the wider community is truly devastating and long lasting.

 

"Although our county has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, we remain committed to reducing weapon-based violence across our patch and welcome any future campaigns such as this."

 

If you are aware of anyone who carries a knife or have concerns that someone you know may carry a knife, please report it to police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.