All this week we have been telling you of things Derbyshire Police have been doing to support Operation Sceptre, the national week of action to tackle knife crime.
We have always been clear that this work continues in Derbyshire throughout the year and to underline this point we have launched Operation Wintershield.
This operation uses intelligence to identify hot spot areas for knife and violent crime and will involve a multi-agency approach to tackle the root causes of the issue.
Operational Wintershield will see joint working with our local authority colleagues in the City, County and within the Districts and Boroughs through the Community Safety Partnerships.
We will also be supported by Health, Education, Social Care and charities involved in the reduction of knife crime and serious violence.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome explained: “Operation Wintershield is a force wide operation and shows our commitment to reducing knife crime and serious violence across the county, especially amongst vulnerable groups such as children and young people.
“We already have strong links with our partners and Operation Wintershield is an acknowledgment of that fact. It allows us to combine best working practices to tackle the root cause of a crime which can have a catastrophic impact on our communities.”
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “Whilst Derbyshire is a safe place, we must not be complacent. Knife crime can have a devastating effect on individuals, families and communities and it is vitally important that we work together to reduce tackle the root causes and reduce harm, which is why we are supporting this important initiative.”
Councillor Matthew Eyre, Cabinet Member for Place and Community Development , Derby City Council, said: “Unfortunately, knife crime remains an ever-present threat to the safety of our residents, especially our young people, and we will continue to work with Derbyshire Police to do everything we can to reduce it.
“With operations such as Wintershield, alongside our community programmes, we can continue to make a real difference in our communities.”
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome added: “We also know that the key to reducing knife crime is ensuring a flow of information and intelligence from our communities.
“As such I would urge anyone with information about knife crime, people carrying weapons and those who risk becoming involved in serious crime, to make contact with us.”
You can speak to us by using any of the following methods:
- Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
- Phone – call us on 101.
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
The operation will run until the end of February 2022 and for its duration officers and staff will be sharing the excellent work that is going on to tackle the root cause of these often-devastating crimes.
You can follow our work on social media by following #OpWintershield
