Operation Sceptre – November 2020

During the week beginning 9^th November 2020, Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) helped coordinate activity carried out in the Thames Valley under Operation Sceptre, a national week of action aimed at tackling knife crime.

Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, knife crime has continued to be a priority for Thames Valley Police and our partners, and the Violence Reduction Unit has played an important role in ensuring that front line policing colleagues have the skills and information to help them make the most impact on Knife Crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, said:

This week we have been carrying out activity to tackle knife crime across the Thames Valley.
Carrying a knife is not tolerated and the effects that knife crime can have are far reaching, impacting victims, their families and local communities.
As well as through our work, it is important that the public helps us in our fight against serious violence and knife crime. By reporting to us you could help save a life.
If you are worried that someone you know is using violence, is being exploited by drug dealers, or is carrying a knife, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.
You can make a report by going to our website or calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Speaking of the results after a busy week of operational activity, Sgt Jade Hewitt of the Thames Valley VRU, said:

This week has been a successful week despite the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have conducted over 200 stop and searches linked to our activity, with multiple Knife-Crime related arrests and many more related arrests during the week. We have also recovered nearly 200 knives from the streets.
Working closely with colleagues from the UK Border Force and National Crime Agency, we have visited 69 people who have imported dangerous knives or bladed instruments into the UK, and spoken to them about the law and the implications for them.
A number of successful partnership operations have taken place under Op Sceptre, and I would like to thank everyone who has spoken to police during the week.
The VRU will continue to support our operational policing colleagues across the Thames Valley as we work together to reduce Serious Violence and Knife Crime.