Launch of #Sceptre – National campaign to tackle knife-crime

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

During this week, 12 to 19 May 2025, 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 police stations: Goole, Bridlington, Grimsby, Barton, Pocklington, Clough Road, Osborne Street, Beverley, and Scunthorpe.

Chief Inspector Simon Duffield is the force lead for knife crime, he said: “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, or other weapon, 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 and weapons out of circulation as possible, so that cannot get into the wrong hands and be used in crime.

“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.

“Knives are the most common weapon used in murders of young people, and so my message to those thinking of carrying a knife for protection, intimidation, or safety ask yourself, what’s the point? One knife impacts more than one life.”

Police Constable Matthew Julian, supporting the operation on the ground, added: “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.”

Last year, the Major Crime Team launched ‘What’s the point?’, a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and its ripple effects. Find out more about the campaign, and hear from the families, first responders, paramedics, and officers who have experienced the devastating impact of knife crime here.