Offensive Weapons

Starting Monday 19th May 2025 officers will be taking dedicated action to make communities safer from knife-related crimes.

Operation Sceptre is an initiative to tackle knife crime across England and Wales. All 43 police forces and British Transport Police across England and Wales are coordinating a week of intensified action which targets knife crime from the root cause right through to enforcement.

Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Operation Sceptre is a mission of ambition, energy and patience. Throughout the week of action all police forces are engaging with local communities, working with young people to dispel myths around knives or carrying out test purchases with retailers - Operation Sceptre is an example of the many varied and impactful ways in which policing is working to reduce knife crime and tackle violence.

There is currently a Knife bin at Oswestry Police station where members of the public can voluntarily surrender knives and bladed articles safely.

Selling bladed articles responsibly
You must have a system in place to check the purchaser is 18+. The buyer confirming their age – by ticking a box, for example – is NOT enough.
Packages must be labelled to show they contain a bladed article and can only be delivered to a person 18+.
You must take all reasonable precautions to ensure that whoever delivers the item knows to use the ASSESS-CHALLENGE-CHECK process.
Bladed articles must never be delivered to a locker.
To find out more visit the National Business Crime Centre ww.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance

If you require further assistance or information, please do not hesitate to contact your respective local SNT.