Crime Solicitors

Safeguarding Minister Sarah Newton MP is encouraging more police forces to join Operation Sceptre to tackle knife crime.

The next Operation Sceptre week of action will begin on 17 July.

The Home Office has hosted an event for police forces across the country to try to break the cycle of knife crime – at the briefing, the Safeguarding Minister encouraged more forces to join the Operation Sceptre week of co-ordinated police action on knife crime.
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There are currently 29 police forces expected to take part, the largest number since Operation Sceptre was launched two years ago.

The Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism, Sarah Newton, said:

“Knife crime has devastating effects on victims, families and communities – I am hugely encouraged that a record 29 forces have signed up to be part of next month’s Operation Sceptre and I hope more join in the next couple of weeks.

“We must break this cycle of violence and address the perception of young people who say they need to carry a knife to protect themselves.

“Let me be clear, knives have no place on our streets – and the government is committed to working with the police to tackle this issue.”

Operation Sceptre is an on going series of weeks of intensified action on knife crime – including targeted stop and searches, weapon sweeps, test purchases of knives from retailers and the use of surrender bins.

During a previous week of the operation in October 2016, a total of 21 police forces across the country took part and more than 1,200 weapons were seized, with more than 300 arrests made – and more than 720 knives placed in amnesty bins.

The event at the Home Office was held in conjunction with the National Police Chiefs Council and the Metropolitan Police.

In a speech to attendees, Sarah Newton set out the government’s approach to tackling knife crime, which includes working closely with police and law enforcement, including by supporting Operation Sceptre – as well as tightening the legislative framework through the introduction of mandatory minimum custodial sentences for repeat convictions and a ban on zombie knives.

The government is also committed to working with retailers to prevent the sale of knives to under-18s – and promoting and providing early intervention by working with voluntary sector organisations.

Ms Newton stressed that she is keen to support and encourage initiatives that work directly with young people, with a mix of agencies working together being key to tackling the issues around knife crime.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis can advise at any stage a charge involving violent crime, including gang crime, manslaughter, murder, attempted murder, robbery with violence, gun crime, knife crime, rape and ABH/GBH or assault.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to violent crime, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.