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Newport City Radio – Live Right here, Right Now
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Episode 80: Why Cody Rhodes winning the World Title makes total sense
It's Operation Sceptre week
This week, Newport City Radio welcomed Neighbourhood Sergeant Jason from Gwent Police to discuss one of the most pressing issues affecting communities across the UK: knife crime. As part of Operation Sceptre, a national week of action running from 17–23 November, Gwent Police have been stepping up education, enforcement, and community engagement to help reduce knife-related incidents and keep people safe.
Born and raised in Liswerry, Jason has spent over a decade serving across Gwent and Gloucestershire before returning home in 2018. As a neighbourhood sergeant, his daily work focuses on crime trends, safeguarding vulnerable people, and working with partner agencies to solve local problems. “We don’t have the answers to everything,” he said, “but we usually know who does.”
What Is Operation Sceptre?
Operation Sceptre is a coordinated national campaign aimed at tackling knife crime through education, prevention, and targeted policing. Though Gwent Police already work on knife crime every day, this week offers enhanced resources, more visibility, and specialised activities that shine a much-needed spotlight on the issue.
“It’s a serious problem,” Jason explained. “There’s a perception among young people that carrying a knife keeps them safe. It absolutely does not. Studies show it actually puts them at greater risk.”
Cracking Down on Illegal Weapons
Throughout the week, neighbourhood teams across Gwent have been conducting:
- Proactive patrols in hotspot areas
- Uniformed and plain-clothes operations targeting intelligence-led locations
- Warrants related to weapon importation
- Partnership work with Border Force and Trading Standards
- Test purchase operations using police cadets to ensure shops refuse under-18 knife sales
Recent legislation has also strengthened police powers. Items such as zombie knives, ninja swords, ninja stars, and other dangerous weapons are now illegal to own even in private homes. This gives officers more authority to seize items before they ever make it onto the streets.
“We don’t need replica swords or giant Rambo-style knives in Gwent,” Jason added. “These are fantasy items. They have no place in real life.”
Education at the Heart of Prevention
Much of the work during Operation Sceptre focuses on education, especially for young people. Gwent Police work closely with groups like Fearless and St Giles Trust, who deliver school workshops highlighting the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.
Jason shared past examples of youth engagement, including a local poster competition in Bettws where the winning anti-knife message was displayed across the community. “If you change one young person’s view, you could be saving several lives,” he said. “It creates a domino effect.”
He emphasised that reporting concerns about a friend is not “grassing”—it’s potentially saving their life.
Knife Amnesty Bins Available Now
As part of the campaign, amnesty bins are available at several police stations, including:
- Newport Central
- Cwmbran
- Blackwood
- Ebbw Vale
Anyone can anonymously and safely dispose of knives or prohibited items—no questions asked. This includes people who once bought decorative weapons that are now illegal to own.
How Is Gwent Doing?
While knife crime remains a national concern, Gwent is currently one of the lowest-ranking areas in Wales for such offences. Compared to last year, Gwent’s knife crime figures have decreased by 0.75% per month on average.
“It’s reassuring,” Jason said, “but we can’t be complacent. One life lost is one too many.”
Everyday Policing Beyond Operation Sceptre
Outside of this campaign, Jason and his neighbourhood team deal with:
- Warrants related to drugs and weapons
- XL Bully and banned breed enforcement
- Safeguarding vulnerable resident
If you know someone who may be carrying a knife, or if you spot suspicious activity, you can report it via:
- 101
- Gwent Police social media (Facebook, X)
- CrimeStoppers (anonymous)
- Neighbourhood Matters — a two-way alert system tailored to your area
- Knife amnesty bins at local stations
“Police are not just here to arrest people,” Jason reminded listeners. “We’re here to help, to educate, and to protect. If you’re worried about a young person, tell us. That first step could save a life.”