Knife amnesty sees 30 weapons handed into Portsmouth police station

Bins have been placed at four police stations across Hampshire as part of an ongoing national anti-knife campaign, Operation Sceptre.

Members of the public are being encouraged to dispose of knives and bladed articles in the amnesty bins without fear of repercussions. So far, 30 have been left in Portsmouth.

Operation Sceptre is a campaign through which police are working to take knives off the streets and educate people about their dangers.

Chief Inspector Claire Taylor, said: ‘This is 30 weapons off the street which can no longer be used to harm anybody.

‘The amnesty will continue until July 20. It’s 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.

‘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.

‘I’d 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.’