Met Police launch ‘Operation Sceptre’ in a bid to tackle knife crime in the Capital

The Metropolitan Police force is teaming up with other forces across the country for ‘Operation Sceptre’ in a bid to tackle knife crime and wider violence.

Officers will be carrying out weapons sweeps and patrols in violence hotspots, as well as targeting high harm offenders wanted for knife crime offences.

From Monday, April 26 to Sunday, May 2, the Met will increase its operational activity and provide a crucial focus on education, diversion and prevention.

The British Transport Police will also be used to deploy knife arches and drug detection dogs to deter criminals in and around transport hubs.

Alongside enforcement, officers will be talking with young people in schools and other youth premises, offering details of available support services, diversionary options and valuable information to highlight the life-changing consequences of carrying a knife.

Local businesses will also be approached in an effort to ‘educate and ensure they are not selling knives irresponsibly to young people’.

Commander Alex Murray, the Met’s Violence Lead, said: “Throughout the past year, which has seen unprecedented challenges for Londoners and the police, our priority continued to be targeting violent crime and its drivers.

“Now lockdown restrictions are easing, it is vital that we maintain this focus and drive.

“This operation is an intensification of the work officers are already doing on a daily basis to tackle knife crime and remove dangerous weapons from the streets, and last year we saw a 26 per cent reduction in violent crime across London.

“We are absolutely determined to keep violence levels down as we approach the summer months.

“The impact of knife crime on families and communities in London is devastating, which is why we are also asking for communities to work with us or give information about knife crime, or anything they may know about violence in their area, to Crimestoppers – your anonymity is guaranteed.

“It might feel like a hard call, but it could save the life of someone’s son or daughter.”

Londoners are also being encouraged to hand in knives at any of the 12 nominated police stations across the capital.

Another option for depositing knives are the ‘Words for Weapons’ knife bins, the locations of which can be found here.

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