Launch of Op Sceptre

National campaign to tackle knife-crime – 15-21 May 2023

Humberside Police are supporting the national campaign to tackle knife crime – Operation Sceptre.

During this week, 15-21 May 2023, there will be an opportunity to surrender any knives, bladed weapons and offensive weapons into police stations across the region.

Following legislation, brought in on the 14 July 2021, it is illegal to own certain items including knuckle dusters, zombie knives and throwing stars – even within a private dwelling.

Knife bins will be placed outside of the following stations: Goole, Bridlington, Grimsby, Barton, Pocklington, Clough Road, Osborne Street, Beverley, and Scunthorpe.

Superintendent Lee Edwards is leading this May’s operation, he said, “Operation Sceptre is rolled out across the country twice a year with an aim to reduce the number of people carrying weapons, especially young people.

“Knife crime presents very real dangers and puts people at risk of serious harm.

“I want to make it clear to people that there are no questions asked, they can take a knife to any of the mentioned stations and simply go in and deposit it in the knife bin.  There are no forms to complete, and no one should need to make any record of you being there.

“We just want to get as many unused knives out of circulation so that cannot get into the wrong hands and be used in crime.

“We will be providing knife bins throughout the week in a number of police stations across the force, where members of the public can anonymously and safely hand in weapons to remove these from our streets.

“Our officers will be conducting weapon sweeps throughout our Force area, with proactive patrols attending local places of education to speak to young people about the dangers of carrying knives. 

“Our message to those who carry a knife – or those who are thinking of carrying a knife – this does not protect you. It makes you more vulnerable and places you in greater danger of serious harm.

“I am also wishing to reassure the public that we do not have an escalating knife problem in our area but it is vital to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime, one young life saved through this scheme is worth everything.”