DEPUTY MAYOR REAFFIRMS SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S COMMITMENT TO TACKLING KNIFE CRIME
Published 18 May 2026 at 2:35pm
South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is spotlighting Operation Sceptre this week, a national week of action focused on tackling knife crime.The bi-annual campaign sees South Yorkshire Police (SYP) stepping up activity across the region, working alongside partners to take knives off the streets and raise awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime.
This work helps deliver Mayor Oliver Coppard’s Police and Crime Plan, which sets out a clear commitment to tackling serious violence, including knife crime, as a key priority for South Yorkshire.
Through a focus on early intervention and prevention through partnership working, the plan reflects the Mayor’s ambition to build safer communities across the county.
During the week of action, activity will be undertaken to test the purchases of knives with local retailers, as well as intelligence-led operations targeting habitual knife carriers, open land searches and weapon sweeps.
Officers will be conducting plain-clothed and high-visibility patrols in key hotspot locations for most serious violence and knife crime.
Local schools and youth groups will see visits from neighbourhood policing teams to raise awareness of the risks relating to knife crime and the importance of making positive choices.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, said: “Knife crime destroys lives, not just in the moment, but for families and communities for years to come. It has no place in South Yorkshire.
We have seen positive signs of knife crime being reduced through the work of SYP and partners, but we cannot be complacent.
“Operation Sceptre sends a clear message: if you carry a knife, you risk ruining your future and causing irreversible harm. We are stepping up enforcement to take weapons off our streets, but just as importantly, we are working with partners to stop young people from picking up a knife in the first place.
“Through the work of our Violence Reduction Unit, we are investing in tackling the root causes of violence and give young people better opportunities.
“This is about being firm, being proactive and being united. By working together across policing, education and communities, we can prevent violence, protect lives and build safer neighbourhoods for everyone.”
The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) focuses on preventing serious violence by tackling its root causes by working with partners across policing, education, health and the voluntary sector.
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