A knife amnesty will be held in Cumbria next week, in support of a national campaign.
Op Sceptre aims to remove potentially dangerous and harmful blades from our streets, giving opportunity for members of the public to dispose of knives anonymously and safely in amnesty bins at local police stations.
Officers will also be visiting schools to help educate young people about the potential disastrous consequences resulting from carrying a knife, while neighbourhood policing teams will carry out test purchasing operations to make sure retailers are not selling knives to children.
Chief Inspector Steve Hunter said: “Any incident that escalates to the point where a knife is pulled has the potential to end in tragedy – and it can often be for the person in possession of the blade.
“Cumbria is one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit however we have had some high-profile incidents, some of which have ended in people losing their lives.
“It is important that, as a community, we do not take knife crime lightly if we are to maintain Cumbria’s position as one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.
“I would urge people to take this opportunity to speak with family members about the dangers knives pose.”
Someone in possession of a knife is not only increasing the risk of harm to themselves but could also face a fine of £5,000 and a four-year prison sentence.
Ch Insp Hunter said: “This coming week provides an ideal opportunity to come forward and rid themselves of a knife, anonymously. It is a quick process and your action will help make your community a safer place.
“Every knife or blade that is handed in is one less weapon which could fall into the wrong hands.
Stations accepting knives and bladed articles are:
- Barrow
- Carlisle
- Kendal
- Whitehaven
- Workington
