Jail for Wisbech man arrested in knife crackdown

A Wisbech man who was one of six people arrested in Norfolk as a result of a crackdown on knife crime has been jailed.

Norfolk Police joined ‘Operation Sceptre’, a national week of intensified action against knife crime that ended on Sunday, November 17.

The operation focused on education, engagement, prevention, and enforcement.

Officers visited almost 1,000 young people in schools across Norfolk, delivering 11 separate presentations.

In addition, they conducted 46 hotspot patrols, nine weapon sweeps and 35 stop searches. These tactics are used year-round.

Six knife crime-related arrests were made and a total of 22 knives were seized - including 13 collected from surrender bins.

Of the six people arrested in Norfolk, the following were charged:

• Edward Dolan, aged 49 and of Acacia Avenue, Wisbech, was charged on Friday, November 15 with possession of a knife and possession of a Class A drug. He pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Monday (18) and was sentenced to four months in prison.

• Liudautauras Vaiciukynas, aged 38, of Well Street, Great Yarmouth, was charged on Wednesday, November 13 with threatening a person with a knife, as well as controlling/coercive behaviour, two counts of intentional strangulation, two counts of assault and criminal damage. He appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 14 and was remanded to appear at Norwich Crown Court on December 12, 2024.

Inspector Ian Cox said: “Officers including the Community Policing and Safer Schools teams have worked hard to successfully support this latest national intensification week. Their efforts reflect our year-round commitment to tackling knife-related crime in Norfolk, focusing on both education and enforcement"

“We will continue to work with partners as knife crime requires a wider multi-agency approach. This also includes the public. If you know someone is carrying a knife, purchasing one or that someone being exploited to do so, please report it to us so that we can take appropriate action.

“You can also attend one of our regular neighbourhood priority meetings across the county, to raise any concerns you have directly with your local policing teams.”