A knife amnesty begins this week in Cumbria.
From today, Monday May 19, people can hand in bladed weapons to police stations.
It is part of Operation Sceptre, a national police campaign which aims to make the streets safer.
People can dispose of knives anonymously and safely in amnesty bins at police stations.
In Cumbria, the focus of the week will be working with retailers to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and officers will also speak to schoolchildren – primarily outside of school settings due to exam and revision work being undertaken.
Chief Inspector Sam Turner said: “Our knife crime focus is preventing knife crime before it takes root. For this campaign we will be doing that by ensuring businesses are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to the sale of knives.
“However, as with every Sceptre, we will also be providing the opportunity for people to hand-in knives which could be a danger to themselves, their family of their community if not properly disposed of.
“Handing a knife in is a quick process and your action will help make your community a safer place.”
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.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “It’s essential that our young people understand the dangers and consequences of carrying a sharp weapon and knife crime. Education is the key to prevention so I’m incredibly pleased to see Officers engaging with schools.
“Knife crime can have devastating effects on communities as a whole – not just the victim and perpetrator – it can ruin entire families and affect the lives of those involved, such as the emergency services.
“Carrying a knife in public will never be acceptable – we need to tackle it head on and stop it.
“I would urge anyone that has sharp objects that could be used as a weapon to hand them over to one of the amnesties across the county.
“Together we can continue to make Cumbria a safer county for everyone.”
Anyone wishing to hand a knife or bladed article in should put them in a box or strong bag.
Never attempt to take an uncovered knife or bladed article out in public. Members of the public are also advised to go directly to a designated station when handing in such items.
The stations where you can hand your knives or bladed articles in are:
- Carlisle
- Penrith (Hunter Lane)
- Barrow
- Kendal
- Whitehaven
- Workington
