Suffolk police make 13 arrests in knife-crime crackdown

From Monday, November 13, Suffolk police took part in week-long national campaign called Operation Sceptre, which aims to prevent and tackle knife crime.

Officers made a total of 13 arrests during the operation, with two charged in relation to offences. 

Shaun Collins was jailed for 21 weeks (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Shaun Collins, 43, has since been jailed for 21 weeks after entering the Morrisons store in Sailamkers shopping centre in Ipswich with a Stanley knife.

Jonathan Blake, 55, of Haward Street in Lowestoft, was charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place, four counts of possessing an air weapon when prohibited and in relation to drug offences. 

Blake appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on November 17, where he was bailed to return to Ipswich Crown Court on December 15.

Acting Inspector Callum Appleby, of Suffolk police, said: “Removing knives from our streets and away from where (and from whom) they can do serious harm within the community is an ongoing priority, which is why we have nine permanent amnesty bins located across Suffolk.

“It is everyone’s social responsibility to do what we can to reduce the impact knife crime has on our communities. If you have concerns that someone may be carrying a knife, please report it to police or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.”

During the week, 1,200 knives, the majority of which were kitchen-style blades, were surrendered and placed in amnesty bins.

Officers also took part in a range of engagement events and visited 70 retailers to ensure knives and tools were being stored correctly.

Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore added: “I am really pleased to see these excellent results following this national intensification week to tackle knife crime.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's police and crime commissioner (Image: Newsquest)

“Operation Sceptre gives officers the opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime across the county, and also to tackle the crime with targeted enforcement - I fully support this two-pronged approach."