Officers support national operation tackling knife crime and serious violence

As Operation Sceptre rolls out across the country, Gwent officers will be carrying out an array of education and enforcement activities to help keep communities safe.

Today (Monday 13 November) marks the continuation of Operation Sceptre, a biannual national campaign to tackle knife crime and serious violence.

Throughout the week, Gwent officers will carry out targeted patrols across the five local authority areas and deliver presentations in schools to raise awareness of the devastating impact knife crime can have on individuals, families and our communities.

Knife amnesty bins have been set up at five police stations in Gwent, allowing people to safely, and anonymously, dispose of dangerous knives and blades.

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 looking to deposit knives at these surrender bins are asked to store them securely when transporting them and then package the blade prior to placing them in the bins so they can be removed safely.

Officers from the service’s problem solving hub will also be working with Trading Standards teams throughout the campaign, and visiting retailers across Caerphilly, Newport and Monmouthshire to talk about its responsible sellers scheme.

The scheme, first launched in the Caerphilly borough in 2021, aims to encourage the responsible sale of knives and prevent them from being sold to underage people.

Sergeant Phill Jones said:

“We want to reassure the public that we’re committed to doing everything we can to tackle serious violence and ensure that Gwent is a place that is safe and feels safe for our communities. 

“As part of our daily policing, we carry out intelligence-led patrols to deter offending and target those who commit violent crime. This continues into Operation Sceptre, where officers will patrol areas previously affected by crimes like these.

“I want to reassure residents that those caught carrying a knife, no matter the reason, will be stopped and the weapon will be seized and removed from our streets.

“There is no excuse. Carrying a knife doesn’t protect you. They can destroy lives, which is why it’s also important we continue to engage with young people and educate them on the consequences of carrying bladed articles.

“As always, the public play a vital role in helping to keep knives off our streets. You can be our eyes and ears in our fight against serious violence and knife crime, and, by making a report to us, you could help save a life.” 

Help and advice

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

If you have information about people involved in knife crime or have any concerns about violent crime in your area, please call us on 101 or direct message us via Facebook or X.

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.