Portsmouth knife amnesty draws to a close

Portsmouth police launched the amnesty last month and in two weeks 30 blades were handed in at Portsmouth Central police station.

The amnesty ends today but people are still being urged to hand in any knives.

Police have said people can hand in knives without fear of repercussion during the amnesty.

In a statement released earlier this month, chief inspector Clare Taylor said: ‘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.

‘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.’

Four amnesty bins were placed at stations in the county, including Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Newport on the Isle of Wight.