Weapons have been seized and more than 150 arrests made during a dedicated week of action aimed at further tackling knife crime and serious violence in the North East.
As part of Operation Sceptre last month, Northumbria Police officers carried out warrants at addresses across the Force area while also taking part in targeted patrols including weapons sweeps at a number of locations.
A total of 34 knives were seized by officers, with more than 500 – including 17 zombie knives – handed in to surrender bins which are in place at stations across the Force’s area commands.
Among the items either seized by officers or handed in were Samurai swords, machetes and even a set of nunchakus.
Proactive operations with knife arches – used to detect weapons being carried in busy areas including at transport hubs – saw 600 people engaged with. Alongside colleagues at British Transport Police, teams rode the rails on the region’s Metro system to spot any knife crime issues and also pass on safety advice to the public.
Colleagues in the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) meanwhile took part in engagement sessions at schools and colleges to emphasise the dangers of choosing to arm yourself with a weapon. Through this activity, more than 1,000 children received advice from officers.
Superintendent Scott Cowie, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention department, said: “Thanks to the efforts of our officers and staff in our partner agencies, we have been able to seize or have taken in a sizeable number of knives and weapons during this latest Operation Sceptre week of activity.
“We’ve also made a total of 163 arrests across the seven days of targeted activity.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public right across our communities for their ongoing support as we look to further reduce serious violence in our Force area.
“Please continue to be our eyes and ears and report any suspected criminality so that we can build on our existing intelligence picture and take the appropriate action.
“To those in our communities who are parents and carers, if you do have concerns that the young people you care for are becoming involved in knife crime, please have those understandably difficult conversations warning of the dangers of such activity.
“Together, we can prevent further knife crime incidents and ensure our region remains among the safest to live in the country.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Whether it’s through fear, pressure or a false sense of protection, the choice to carry a knife can lead to devastating and irreversible consequences, not just for those involved but for family, friends, and entire communities.
“These are great results from Northumbria Police – removing hundreds of dangerous weapons from our streets, making arrests, and disrupting violence before it escalates.
“Just as important is the work taking place to prevent knife crime from happening in the first place. Through the Violence Reduction Unit and local partners, we are engaging young people in awareness sessions, ensuring they are heard, supported, and equipped to make safer, more informed choices.
“This is all part of our year-round commitment to tackling serious violence, with increased activity during initiatives like Operation Sceptre.
“We all have a role to play, whether that’s as parents, friends, teachers, youth workers, or police officers. That means starting early conversations, listening, and offering support when it matters most. Together, we will build safer, stronger communities for everyone.”
Knife surrender bins remain at the following stations:
- 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
Anyone who wants to report suspected knife crime can do so by sending Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or by using the live chat or report forms on the Force website.
For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101.
In an emergency situation, always ring 999.
To report suspected criminality you can speak to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
