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<p>Operation Sceptre originated as a Metropolitan Police initiative, but with the
agreement of the National Police Chiefs Council, it has become a regular national
week of action against knife crime for police forces in England and Wales. Operation
Sceptre includes targeted stop and searches, weapon sweeps of hotspot areas, test
purchases of knives from retailers, the use of surrender bins, and educational events
with young people.</p><p>Both the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police
take an active role in Operation Sceptre. The Metropolitan Police Service conducts
its own local phases of Operation Sceptre every month, alongside the national weeks
of action.</p><p>The latest national phase of Operation Sceptre in February resulted
in the following:</p><p> </p><ul><li>591 test purchase operations were carried out
in retail premises. Of these, there were 469 passes. 122 resulted in the retail outlet
failing the test purchase</li><li>1212 stop and searches were carried out and 615
arrests made. Overall, 4104 weapons were seized</li><li>918 weapon sweeps were conducted</li><li>3660
knives were surrendered or recovered</li><li>More than 600 education events were held
to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.</li></ul>
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