Operation Sceptre week (17th-23rd November 2025)

Today marks the start of Operation Sceptre Awareness Week, which occurs twice a year and is part of an ongoing national campaign by police forces in the UK to deal with knife crime.

We will be releasing details of some of the operational activities we've completed as part of this in due course.

The idea that carrying a knife provides protection is a dangerous misconception that brings more harm than security. Carrying a knife leads to an escalation of conflicts that might otherwise remain non-violent. Additionally, it is illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason, and the maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either 4 years in prison, and unlimited fine, or both.

If this describes you, or someone you know, please know that there is a knife surrender scheme (or ‘knife amnesty’) in the Cherwell region. This aims to remove knives from the street by providing secure bins where they can be dropped off, anonymously and with no need to speak to anyone. The distinctive bright orange metal bins are at:

Providing they are securely packaged so as not to cause injury (ie: sharp edges taped up in cardboard), knives can also be safely disposed of in general household waste.