Four arrests in Norfolk during knife crime action week

Officers in Norfolk arrested four people during a national week of action targeting knife crime.

Operation Sceptre, which ran from 15 to 21 May 2023, aimed to highlight the risks that carrying a blade can bring as well as targeting offenders who use and carry knives.

Norfolk Police was one of 43 forces involved in Operation Sceptre and during the week officers held a knife surrender initiative where members of the public were able to hand over knives at Public Enquiry Offices across the county: 15 knives were handed in.

In total, including those knives handed over to Public Enquiry Offices, 18 knives were taken off the streets during the week of action.

Officers also carried out high visibility patrols targeting those who carry knives.

During Op Sceptre, officers worked with 15 schools visiting assemblies and sharing intervention posters. Officers also received 13 intelligence reports from members of the public related to knives and bladed weapons.

Inspector Ian Cox of Norfolk Police said: " While the number of incidents of knife crime is low in Norfolk, we know the devastating effect it has on families and communities. Reducing the effects of knife crime and the violence associated with it is a priority for us all year round.

“This dedicated week of action provides another opportunity to work with local communities to educate people about the risks of carrying a blade and preventing knife crime from happening in the first place. We all have a duty to protect our communities from harm and keep them safe and I would urge anybody who suspects someone is carrying a knife to call us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”