Operation Sceptre ‘Keeping South Wales safe’

OPERATION Sceptre was set up to focus on knife crime, and although the issue is rare for the vast majority of communities in South Wales, police have pledged never to be complacent.

A police bid to raise awareness of how we can all help tackle knife crime will receive a boost on Saturday thanks to messages displayed at Wales’ Principality Stadium double-header clashes with the Barbarians.

The men’s World Cup semi-finalists take on the invitational Baa-baas at the home of Welsh rugby on November 30, in what will be the first game for new head coach – and former New Zealand Police officer – Wayne Pivac. That game follows an encounter between Wales Women and the Baa-baas.  The 60,000-plus fans heading to the home of Welsh rugby can expect to learn more about South Wales Police’s Operation Sceptre – the drive to tackle and prevent knife crime.

Posters and banners will be displayed throughout the venue, with a message also to be played on the stadium’s big screens.

Operation Sceptre was set up to focus on knife crime, and although the issue is rare for the vast majority of communities in South Wales, police have pledged never to be complacent. Targeted operations, engagement and education to reassure young people they are safer not carrying knives are all among the tactics at play.

Sergeant Gerallt Hughes, who has devised a recent programme of anti-knife crime activity in Cardiff, said: “Although most people won’t be affected by it, knife crime has hit the headlines in recent months and we are determined to do all we can to tackle it here. I’d like to say a big thank you to the Welsh Rugby Union for their support for this campaign, which is invaluable and greatly appreciated. We can all do our bit to prevent knife crime, and I’d urge anyone who has any concerns or suspicions to get in touch either with police, or with Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.”

A WRU spokesperson said: “The Welsh Rugby Union is fully supportive of this campaign from South Wales Police, to tackle and prevent knife crime. We know that high-profile events like Wales international matches at Principality Stadium have the power to capture significant attention and are only too happy to do what we can to help emphasise the important messages of this campaign around the Barbarians match this weekend.”