Wigan police cracking down on knife crime

Knife arches and weapon sweeps are among tactics adopted by police in Wigan as they take part in the latest national crackdown on crime involving blades.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Greater Manchester Police and other forces across the country launched the latest phase of Operation Sceptre, aimed at curbing knife-related offences by targeting those who carry weapons.

During the week-long operation, GMP’s knife arches are being deployed at undisclosed locations targeting those carrying knives along with any other criminality.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And officers are carrying out weapon sweeps of local parks and open spaces; stop and search activity - where appropriate; visiting habitual knife carriers to explain the dangers and consequences that can come from carrying a knife; and visiting local retailers and provide them with the guidance on the responsible sale of knives.

Crackdown on knife crimeCrackdown on knife crime
Crackdown on knife crime

Officers will also be engaging with local schools and youth provision to educate young people on the impact of knife crime and provide intervention opportunities. Knife crime awareness classes will take place and act as a forum for teachers and pupils to discuss aspects that lead to knife carrying and offer prevent advice and support.

GMP’s knife crime lead, Supt Chris Downey, said: “The Operation Sceptre weeks of action are not the only time of the year we dedicate to tackling knife crime. We are working hard each and every day to disrupt and deter violent crime across Greater Manchester with the ultimate aim of keeping people safe.

“As well as deploying officers to knife crime hot-spots, it is important we understand and tackle the root cause of violent crime so that we can provide long-term solutions and prevent the same problem from reoccurring.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We will arrest and bring people to justice where required, but it’s equally as important for us to work with partners to get people the help they need to stop them from becoming involved in violent crime in the first place.”

Thank you for reading. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription. Thanks again.