A knife amnesty will be held in Cumbria next week.
Part of the national Operation Sceptre, people will be able to dispose of knives anonymously and safely in amnesty bins at police stations from May 18 to May 24.
In Cumbria, the focus of the week will be working with retailers to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities.
Chief Inspector Sam Turner said: “Cumbria police support each Sceptre week of action and will back the campaign this week, including by providing amnesty bins at many of our police stations around the county, so people can safely dispose of potentially dangerous knives and other bladed articles.
“The operation is part of our on-going work targeting violence before it can take place.
“In addition to the knife amnesty, we will also be visiting retailers around the county to remind them of their obligations, including not selling knives to children.”
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 Turner said: “Very few people actually carry knives and those who do are more likely to come to harm.
“A knife makes a situation much worse.
“If someone you know is carrying a knife you can report it to the police, speak to a trusted family member or teacher, or you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
In addition to the usual knife amnesty, in Cumbria there will, once again, be the opportunity for people to also come forward and dispose of other potentially dangerous weapons, including other types of bladed weapons such as hatchets or axes and even crossbows.
Ch Insp Turner said: “Instead of limiting ourselves to just knives, we are keen to open up the amnesty for people to safely dispose of a wider range of potentially dangerous items.
“There may be people who purchased such an item some years ago who would like rid of it but don’t know how to do it safely – this is their opportunity.
“By safely disposing of such items, you will make yourself, your family and your community safer.”
Anyone wishing to hand a weapon 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
