Op Sceptre: national week of action to tackle knife crime

A man who was seriously injured following a knife attack is supporting a national campaign aimed at tackling knife crime.

24-year-old Jake Pickstock, of Llandudno sustained significant injuries to his throat, head and the side of his face following the assault at a nightclub in Llandudno during the early hours of the 21st August this year.

The offender, 19-year-old Alex Jones of Bro Dirion, Holywell left the nightclub and threw the blade into a nearby bin but was soon arrested.

He was recently sentenced to 10 years and four months in prison.

Coordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) Operation Sceptre is a national week of action which runs from 15^th – 21^st November, and brings all 43 police forces and British Transport Police together for a coordinated period of intensification to tackle knife crime, a large contributor to violent crime in the UK.

As part of the week-long operation, people are being encouraged to leave unwanted knives in amnesty bins at police station front counters and at some recycling centres across north Wales.

Jake, who is lending his voice to the campaign said: “This is an amazing step in the right direction against knife crime. What happened to me was and will continue to be a massive shock to myself and my family, unfortunately, I cannot change that.

“What I can change is turning this attack into a positive for North Wales and the fight against knife crime nationwide. My life is focused on achievable goals and preventing an attack like this in the future certainly is achievable.

“Working alongside North Wales Police, Janet Finch-Saunders MS and local businesses to raise awareness and potentially save lives is a positive movement.

“There is no place for knives on the streets of North Wales. Knife crime has an array of consequences that reach further than the victim, young people are ruining their own lives carrying knives and it has a detrimental impact on the families of offenders, and of course, the victims involved.

“I fully welcome the amnesty and this is a great start to moving forward with an ongoing campaign.”

Inspector Wesley Williams of North Wales Police said: “We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is unacceptable and that no good can come from carrying one.

“Every incident involving a knife has consequences for all those involved, and so this is an issue we take extremely seriously.

“We take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rid yourselves of any unwanted or illegal weapons by taking them to our knife amnesty bins which are located at our police station front counters.

“Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of North Wales. Carrying knives or other weapons do not keep you safe. By carrying a knife you are putting yourself in much greater danger, and more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.

He added: “Whilst the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are absolutely essential. We are committed to taking a collaborative approach to tackle knife crime across north Wales and we will continue to build on the already successful work with our partners and communities.

“Retailers have an important role to play in tackling knife crime by ensuring that knives are not falling into the wrong hands. With this, officers will be visiting local retail stores to “knowledge check” staff regarding the sales of knives and the ‘Challenge 25 ID’ approach.”

A large part of the police’s work is out in communities and schools; educating young people on the impact that knives can have not just on individuals, but on families and communities through education programmes such as SchoolBeat. This work will continue throughout the week with School Community Police Officers vising schools and colleges to highlight the risks and consequences of carrying a knife.

Inspector Williams added: “We are also asking parents, guardians and extended family members, to talk to young family members about knife crime as you can play a vital role in preventing them from becoming involved. We advise you try and talk to them openly about the dangers, as well as the life-changing consequences that come from carrying a knife.

“We are grateful for the support from our partners and communities and together, we will continue to work towards removing knives and dangerous weapons and bring those responsible, for carrying and using them, to justice.”

If you have concerns about someone you know or care about, who is carrying or hiding a knife call the Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the Fearless campaign website https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info . Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Amnesty Bins:

Unwanted knives can be disposed of in special amnesty bins which are permanently placed at the following police station front counters:

Wrexham

Mold

Rhyl

Llandudno

Colwyn Bay

Bangor

Caernarfon

Holyhead

Amnesty bins will also be located at Mochdre, Abergele, Denbigh and Ruthin Recycling Centres from Friday 12^th November.

Social media users can follow the campaign via the #OpSceptre hashtag