By James Simons-
A nationwide initiative to combat the alarming rise in knife crime, Operation Sceptre has zeroed in on the proliferation of knives through online platforms.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has revealed evidence of individuals acquiring “large quantities” of knives and subsequently selling them on various social media sites.
Operation Sceptre, a collaborative effort involving all 43 police forces and the British Transport Police, commenced on Monday, November 13, with a primary objective to construct a comprehensive understanding of online retailers contributing to the accessibility of dangerous knives.
Commander Stephen Clayman,(pictured) the NPCC’s knife crime lead, expressed deep concern about the unrestricted access to a wide range of knives available online. While acknowledging the mandatory age verification for purchases, he highlighted the limited additional checks, leading to a surge in online knife-related transactions.
“Op Sceptre will include all of the usual operational tactics, but we’re also looking to build a comprehensive picture of online retailers across the country, which will help to inform our engagement moving forward,” emphasized Clayman.
The NPCC’s intensified approach encompasses various strategies, including education and engagement activities, knife amnesty bins, weapons sweeps, and hot spot patrols.
However, the particular emphasis on online retailers reflects a growing recognition of the role these platforms play in facilitating the distribution of potentially lethal weapons.
The phenomenon of individuals purchasing knives online and reselling them through social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram has raised alarm bells within law enforcement circles.
The week-long Operation Sceptre aims not only to disrupt the importation and supply of knives but also to address the broader issue of their online availability.
Commander Clayman commented on the recent surge in murders involving knives purchased online, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle this emerging threat.
He said: ‘We have been growing increasingly concerned about the wide range of knives which can be purchased online and while age verification is required for purchases, there is little requirement for additional checks to be made.
“We know there have been several murders in recent years where the knives used have been purchased online and we are also aware that some individuals are buying large quantities and selling them on through social media sites like TikTok and Telegram.
“Op Sceptre will include all of the usual operational tactics including education and engagement activity, knife amnesty bins, weapons sweeps and hot spot patrols but we’re also looking to build a comprehensive picture of online retailers across the country which will help to inform our engagement moving forward.”
He added: “Our approach has also been significantly strengthened with the proposed legislative changes which are being progressed to reduce the availability of certain types of machetes and to increase policing powers to seize knives.
“These offer additional robust measures to deal with those who seek to use knives for violence. Ultimately, when used appropriately, they provide a greater means to protect the public and safeguard our communities.
“Every day as police officers we see first-hand the devastating effects of these deadly weapons on the lives of individuals, particularly young people and we must always look at what action can be taken to restrict the supply chain and prevent access to knives that are used for violence, intimidation and harm.”
These proposed legislative changes represent a pivotal step in enhancing law enforcement’s ability to combat knife crime effectively.
The measures include restrictions on the availability of specific types of machetes and increased policing powers to confiscate knives, providing a more robust framework to deal with those who seek to use knives for violence.
Operation Sceptre’s overarching goal is to restrict the supply chain and prevent access to knives that are used for violence, intimidation, and harm.
The NPCC’s comprehensive approach aligns with a broader societal shift towards recognizing the gravity of knife crime and the crucial role online platforms play in facilitating its growth.
Operation Sceptre’s focus on online retailers signals a proactive response to the evolving nature of criminal activities, acknowledging that law enforcement must adapt to new challenges posed by the digital age.