Knife crime campaign in Sussex as high profile stabbings continue across the UK

Police in Sussex are conducting a week-long campaign to target knife crime and address the reasons why young people carry blades.
Knives can be handed in anonymously at amnesty bins at police stationsKnives can be handed in anonymously at amnesty bins at police stations
Knives can be handed in anonymously at amnesty bins at police stations

Sussex Police officers are joining colleagues from across the country in an effort to get knives off our streets and educate those most at risk.

The campaign is run twice a year and named Operation Sceptre.

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This week's planned campaign comes at a time when a number of high profile stabbings elsewhere in the country are in the public eye.

Knives can be handed in anonymously at amnesty bins at police stationsKnives can be handed in anonymously at amnesty bins at police stations
Knives can be handed in anonymously at amnesty bins at police stations

Police appeal for the public's help following recent knife crime attacks across the UK

Assistant Chief Constable Nick May said: “We are keenly aware of how much focus knife crime is getting in the media at the moment.

"We now need everyone to help continue keeping our county safe.”

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Police will be out on targeted patrols across the county, with officers also working alongside British Transport Police.

Sussex Police are joining colleagues from across the UK in their campaign this weekSussex Police are joining colleagues from across the UK in their campaign this week
Sussex Police are joining colleagues from across the UK in their campaign this week

There is also other planned activity with days of action, working alongside other partners allowing the force to talk about the dangers of knife crime and engage with those at risk of carrying knives.

People are encouraged to drop off their dangerous or unwanted knives and blades at police stations across Sussex as part of a knife amnesty.

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Anonymous knife amnesty bins across the country

Police want to educate people about the dangers of carrying knivesPolice want to educate people about the dangers of carrying knives
Police want to educate people about the dangers of carrying knives

These amnesty bins are in place all year round, and there will be no consequences if weapons are disposed of safely here, according to police.

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Knife amnesty bins are located at the following stations: Worthing (Chatsworth Road), Shoreham, Chichester, Bognor, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Horsham, Crawley, Eastbourne, Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Hastings, Bexhill, Battle, Rye, Hailsham, Uckfield, Crowborough, Brighton.

Test purchasing will be carried out throughout Sussex, where officers, PCSOs and cadets will mystery shop to see which premises allow them to buy knives without their age being asked for.

'We do not want to demonise young people'

ACC Nick may added: "Operation Sceptre gives us a chance to talk about knife crime in a realistic and open fashion: we want to give young people the chance to stay safe, we do not want to demonise them.

"It is imperative we remind them they have choices in life, and that help is out there if they do not feel safe.”

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“Talk to the young people in your life, drop off your dangerous and unwanted blades to our knife amnesty bins, and if you need to talk to someone anonymously, Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.

"As always, you can report crime online, or via 101. In an emergency, always call 999.”

'Lose the knife, not your life'

Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Getting killed or ending up with life changing injuries or a prison sentence because of knife crime is not a choice anybody would rationally make, but far too many young people are putting themselves at risk by choosing to carry a knife.

“The Operation Sceptre campaign will raise awareness of these dangers and provide opportunities for young people to discuss what might motivate them to carry a knife.

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“I hope that the recent media coverage of families devastated by knife crime will encourage people to use the amnesty bins across the county and take unnecessary blades off our streets.

"Lose the knife, not your life.”