Sceptre: 13 arrested in operation to tackle knife crime

Norfolk Constabulary made 13 arrests as part of Sceptre week, in a continuing effort to tackle knife crime and ensure the safety of our communities.

The week of action, which ran from Monday 13 May to Sunday 19 May, saw the force intensify its focus on reducing knife crime and serious violence through education, engagement, prevention and enforcement.

Officers conducted high-visibility patrols, 73 weapon sweeps and 63 stop searches. These tactics are used year-round.

A total of 21 knives were seized, including 12 collected from surrender bins.

With the support of Trading Standards, officers also made 16 visits to local retailers in efforts to check and ensure the safe and responsible sale of knives, by not selling to Under 18s.

Working alongside partners, colleges and schools, officers held community engagement events and gave education presentations in schools.

Of the 13 people arrested in Norfolk, the following have been charged:

• Jospeh Kerr, aged 27 and of Cromer Road, Norwich, was charged on Tuesday 14 May with possession of a knife. He was bailed to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court on Tuesday 25 June 2024.
• Jake Midgley, aged 26 and of Cromer Road, Norwich, was charged on Tuesday 14 May with possession of a knife. He was bailed to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court on Tuesday 25 June 2024.
• Tomas Nikanorovas, aged 29 and of Wortham Close, Norwich, was charged on Wednesday 15 May with possession of an offensive weapon. He was bailed to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court on Thursday 13 June 2024.
• Patrick White, aged 47 and of Mountergate, Norwich, was charged on Wednesday 15 May with theft and possession of a knife. He appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court and was bailed to appear back at the same court on Thursday 19 December 2024
• Stuart Brittain, aged 35 and of Bowman Road, Norwich, was charged on Tuesday 21 May with GBH. He appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody to appear at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday 18 June 2024.

Inspector Ian Cox said: "This latest week of action underlines our year-round commitment to tackle knife-related crime in Norfolk.

“The Community Policing Teams, along with our partner agencies, have worked hard to spread the message about the risk of carrying knives, as well as seizing a number of these weapons.

“While levels of knife crime do remain low in our county, we know the devastating effect it can have on families. We will continue to work hard to reduce that further and protect our community.”

“As always, the public play a vital role in helping to keep knives off our streets. If you know someone is carrying a knife, purchasing one or that someone being exploited to do so, please report it to us so that we can take appropriate action.

“Norfolk Constabulary will continue to take robust action to those who break the law and remain committed to proactively tackling knife crime and violent offending.”