Knife amnesty bin placed at Newtown Police Station

A knife amnesty bin has been opened at Newtown Police Station as part of a week-long campaign this week tackling life crime.

With high profile cases in London, Birmingham and other locations recently it might be perceived that knives are just part of city problems.

But Dyfed Powys Police, which is taking part in the knife amnesty, wants to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the problems.

Dyfed-Powys Police is cracking down on illegal possession of knives as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week of action that runs from March 11-17.

The aim of the week is to increase awareness about the dangers of carrying knives and the laws around buying and selling knives and blades.
 Knife amnesty bins will also be placed around the force area for people to hand over knives or blades.

A knife amnesty bin has been placed at Newtown Police Station to allow people to hand them over during the amnesty week.

It is the second knife campaign the force has taken part in over the past six months. During September’s operation, 169 knives (some are pictured here) were handed in as part of the amnesty, dozens of engagement events were held, and shops across the force area were visited.

Superintendent for specialist operations Craig Templeton said: “Carrying a knife is a crime which brings that added risk that a minor issue can escalate into something much more serious and potentially life-changing.

“The damage caused by knives, not just to the victim and their families, but also to the wider community, can be devastating. We will be doing all we can to spread the message that carrying a knife is not ok.

“We are keen to reach out to members of the public who may have information about people who carry knives, and I would encourage anyone with information to have the confidence to come forward and report it by calling 101.”

During the week, officers will be using their powers to stop and search individuals who are believed to be carrying knives. Educational visits to schools, colleges and youth clubs are also planned to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.

Shops and businesses are being asked to put in robust controls on the sale of blades, such as kitchen knives, as part of the operation.

Amnesty bins are at certain police stations around the force and no questions will be asked at the point of surrender, and no paperwork will be taken.

One for north Powys has been located at Newtown Police Station.

For more information about Operation Sceptre and the laws around carrying knives, visit www.dyfed-powys.police.uk.