National scheme to take knives off our streets

We’re participating in Operation Sceptre, a national campaign to tackle knife crime and keep communities safe through education and enforcement activities.

Operation Sceptre, a national week of action tackling knife crime and serious violence, begins on Monday 15 May.

Throughout the week, our officers will carry out patrols across the force area and deliver presentations in schools to raise awareness around the devastating impact knife crime can have on families.

Officers will also be visiting local stores to speak about its responsible sellers scheme – an initiative set up in Caerphilly County Borough in 2021 to ensure retailers have robust checks in place to make sure knives are sold safely and not to those under the age of 18.

Throughout the week, there will be knife amnesty bins at five stations, allowing people to dispose of dangerous or unwanted knives and blades safely and anonymously.

The bins will be at the following stations and accessible during these times:

• Newport Central: 8am - 7pm
• Monmouth: 9am - 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
• Blackwood: 9am - 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
• Ebbw Vale: 9am - 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
• Cwmbran: 9am - 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.

People are being asked to package the blade prior to placing them in the bins so they can be removed safely.

Inspector Richard Tovey said:

“During the week of action, we’ll be engaging with communities across Gwent to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and to reassure young people they are safer not carrying knives.

“Every knife taken off the streets is another life potentially saved, which is why we’re encouraging people to make use of our amnesty bins at our stations and dispose of dangerous or unwanted knives.

“We’ll be visiting schools to talk to pupils; speaking to them at a young age shows them the risks that knives pose in our communities and ultimately deters offending.

“Although we focus on knife crime during Operation Sceptre, tackling knife crime is part of everyday policing.

“Our officers regularly carry out intelligence-led patrols to deter offending and highlight those who may commit a violent crime.

“There are no excuses as to why someone should carry a knife and anyone found to be carrying a knife, no matter the reason, will be stopped and the weapon will be seized and removed from our streets.”

Last November, the force welcomed The Knife Angel (a national symbol standing against violence and aggression in communities) to Gwent, with the 27ft sculpture encouraging residents to reflect on the consequences carrying a knife can have on communities.

Help and advice

If anyone has any information about people involved in knife crime or has any concerns, please call us on 101 or direct message us via Facebook or Twitter. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Anyone worried about someone or looking for support themselves can visit knifefree.co.uk for advice.

If you feel threatened, unsafe or scared about becoming a victim of knife crime consider:

• You are more likely to come to harm if you carry a knife.
• Walking away from threats of violence.
• Passing anonymous information to Fearless.
• Talk to Childline for help on 0800 11 11 or go online at childline.org.uk.
• Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.