A huge operation to tackle knife crime has been launched this week in Greater Manchester with hotspots targeted across the region.
Operation Sceptre starts today (Monday) and will see Greater Manchester Police step up efforts to tackle knife crime. Undercover operations will be carried out as part of Operation Sceptre, as officers also use knife arches and carry out stop and searches and weapon sweeps.
It comes after a number of recent tragedies in the area - including a 19-year-old boy who died after being stabbed to death in Wilmslow Road. Recent incidents of knife crime also saw three man seriously injured following a stabbing outside a nightclub in Manchester, and a teenager stabbed in east Manchester.
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The national week links with GMP’s longer-term initiatives aimed at reducing knife crime and serious youth violence – such as operations Sycamore, Concept and the Forever Amnesty. These have seen over 10,000 weapons seized across the region since 2019.
Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, GMP’s knife crime lead, said the operation comes after a number of recent incidents where young people have been fatally stabbed. She said: "The impact that knife crime has is truly devastating and affects everyone – from individuals and families to our communities.
"Sadly we have seen a number of recent incidents where young people have lost their lives due to knife crime. In an instant, many lives have been affected due to the careless actions and thoughts of a few. Intensification weeks such as Operation Sceptre see us working alongside our partners and focusing our resources accordingly, however our commitment to tackling knife crime is a priority throughout the year.
"We will not stop until our communities feel safe where they live without fear of being threatened or feel vulnerable due to the actions of others. We are committed to proactively targeting knife crime hotspots within the community using stop search – where appropriate, weapons sweeps, knife arches, and covert and overt policing deployments, and investigative work to target those involved with knife crime.
"We are also working with partners across Greater Manchester including local councils, other emergency services and the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to provide insight into why violence occurs within Greater Manchester and work with the community to provide solutions.
"I would like to urge those who even think about carrying a knife to take a moment and realise how many people may be affected by your actions. You won’t only be hurting someone else – you’ll also be hurting yourself as my officers are actively targeting those involved in knife crime and will use all manners at their disposal to bring you to justice.”"
Deputy Mayor for policing, crime criminal justice and fire, Bev Hughes, said: "Operation Sceptre is just one of many initiatives that Greater Manchester Police and partners from across the city-region are delivering to tackle knife crime and its devastating impact. We all have a part to play in preventing knife crime.
"The consequences are far-reaching and don’t just affect those that are directly involved in an incident. Through our Violence Reduction Unit, the police, local authorities, youth services, health, education and schools, as well as other criminal justice partners, continue to work together to embed a community-led approach to prevention and enforcement, with community-led programmes now live in seven boroughs.”
The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit was set up in October 2019 with funding from the Home Office. It brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the National Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice and local authorities to address the underlying causes of violent crime and work together with communities to prevent it.
Anyone who carries a knife or weapon is being urged to surrender it at one of GMP's 13 Forever Amnesty bins. They can be found here.
Incidents can be reported to GMP on 101 or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Reports and concerns can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.fearless.org.
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