Knife Amnesty a Success in Derbyshire

Officers fighting knife crime in Derbyshire are ‘delighted’ with the results of our latest knife surrender initiative.

Earlier this month, between Monday, March 11 and Sunday, March 17, Derbyshire Constabulary offered people the chance to ‘Drop the Knife’ as part of a national anti-knife crime initiative – Operation Sceptre, and local initiative Operation Zao.

This was an opportunity, to safely discard bladed weapons that could have otherwise come in to the hands of those that would cause harm to others.

520 knives were placed in to bins situated in police stations across the county.

Inspector Richard Keene of Derbyshire police who leads on Project Zao, an initiative to reduce knife crime in the county, explained: “The surrender scheme was held as part of our ongoing Project Zao and to support the national initiative, Operation Sceptre.

“I am delighted that it has resulted in so many knives being taken out of harm’s way.

“We are not naive enough to think that we have had hardened criminals coming in and handing in their weapons but every one of the knives surrendered is a potential lethal weapon that will now be disposed of.

“This is an excellent example of how we can work together with the public to make Derbyshire safer.

“Project Zao will continue with its mixture of education, engagement and enforcement.”

If you are concerned about Knife crime in your area, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood team using any of the following non-emergency methods:

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter      – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call on 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency.