A knife amnesty bin will be placed at Newport Police Station from today (Monday) as part of an ongoing national anti-knife campaign, Operation Sceptre.
Members of the public are now able to dispose of knives and bladed articles in the amnesty bins without fear of repercussions. It is all part of Operation Sceptre, a campaign through which Hampshire Constabulary are working to take knives off the streets and educate people about the dangers associated with knives.
Islanders are being urged to ensure any sharp ends are securely wrapped in a protective material. Do not take live munitions such as hand grenades into the Police Station.
Chief Inspector Claire Taylor, said:
“Operation Sceptre is an anti-knife crime initiative which was started by the Metropolitan Police and adopted by a number of forces across the UK.
“Fortunately gang related knife crime is very rare in Hampshire, therefore our focus is on four areas: tackling and disrupting the supply of knives, targeting those who carry and use knives, preventing people from getting involved in knife crime and increasing prosecution.
“We know people carry knives for many reasons including fear, or because they think it will protect them. However, in reality carrying a knife puts them at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed, not to mention being arrested for possession of a bladed article.
“This amnesty is your chance to hand unlawful weapons in and walk away without prosecution and be free from the fear you could be putting yours and your loved ones lives at risk.
Article continues below this advertisement “I would urge you to take this opportunity to rid yourselves of any illegal weapons, as we are continually developing intelligence on those believed to be carrying knives or bladed articles. We will take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets.”
