A week-long crackdown on knife crime is being carried out by police forces across the UK, including in the North East and North Yorkshire. 

Operation Sceptre, which will run until November 17,  will focus on seizing dangerous weapons, locating wanted offenders and educating young people about the dangers of carrying knives.

For the week of action, knife surrender bins will be in place at several stations in the Northumbria, Durham, and North Yorkshire areas. Members of the public can hand over knives safely and securely.

Durham Police

Inspector Barry Evans, the force's knife crime lead said: "The devastating and lasting impact of knife crime on individuals, families, and communities cannot be overstated.

"Durham Constabulary has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the North-East – we are consistently in the bottom four or five forces across the country.

"We're proud of that, but we're not complacent. One injury is still one too many, and we're working hard to change attitudes toward carrying knives."

Remember, this amnesty is anonymous but not an excuse to dispose of weapons involved in crime. Any knives suspected of being used unlawfully may still be investigated.

Knife amnesty in County Durham:

  • Durham City
  • Darlington
  • Peterlee
  • Bishop Auckland

Northumbria Police

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, the Force’s Knife Crime Lead, said: “As a Force, we are absolutely committed to tackling knife crime and the devastating impact it has on our communities.

“Prevention is one of our key priorities, and central to this is educating younger people on the dangers of becoming involved in this type of criminality – and changing attitudes towards carrying weapons.

“The activity this week very much builds on the work we carry out throughout the year with our partners to combat knife crime.

“This is not something policing can tackle alone – everyone can play their part in keeping our region safe.

“I’d call on everyone if you think someone you care about is becoming involved in knife crime, to please speak to them about the dangers of doing so and the serious consequences.

“I would also encourage people to share information with us if they know that someone is carrying a weapon.

“Perpetrators who use knives not only ruin their lives and the lives of their victims but also the lives of their own family and friends.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Carrying a knife makes you likely to use it – and that has consequences. Too often we have seen lives lost, futures destroyed, and families left heartbroken.

“Proactive work like Operation Sceptre is about reassuring people that tackling knife crime is a top priority for Northumbria Police. Alongside this enforcement work, my Violence Reduction Unit will continue to work with young people in our area educating, raising awareness, and diverting those at risk away from that lifestyle – prevention is key.”

Surrender bins will be in place at the following Northumbria Police stations during Operation Sceptre week: 

  • Alnwick, Bedlington, Berwick and Hexham in Northumberland
  • Middle Engine Lane in Wallsend
  • Etal Lane and Forth Banks in Newcastle
  • Gateshead
  • Millbank in South Shields
  • Southwick in Sunderland

North Yorkshire Police

Members of the public are encouraged to wrap bladed items safely in thick paper or cardboard and drop them off at York, Scarborough, Malton, Northallerton, Harrogate or Skipton police stations.

Under the terms of the amnesty, they will not get into trouble, even if the item is illegal.

It’s part of Operation Sceptre, a national push this week to get knives and other weapons off the streets.

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Detective Chief Inspector Jon Sygrove said: "We will also be proactively targeting people who are known to us for knife possession.

"And there will be targeted patrols in certain areas, with officers being deployed to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying a blade.

"Officers will also be visiting schools across the county, and engaging with specific young people who are particularly at risk of slipping into knife crime.

"In addition, we’re continuing to work closely with retailers to ensure bladed items are not sold illegally."