"If you don't need it, bin it," message from police ahead of Northampton knife amnesty
"Prevention is a huge part in reducing the risk of knife crime," says senior officer
Police will be holding a knife amnesty in Northampton town centre on Thursday (October 20).
Bins will be available in Market Street and in St James' to collect potentially deadly weapons as part of the Operation Sceptre crackdown on knife crime.
Northamptonshire Police have stepped up campaigning following a number of violent incidents in the town.
The Force lead for knife crime, Adam Ward, said: “While the vast majority of people don’t carry knives – and that’s a really important thing to remember – this demonstrates ways in which we are working with other agencies and the community to prevent it happening in the first place and tackle those that do.
“Prevention is a huge part in reducing the risk of knife crime, and we have many activities aimed at this. For example, talking to young people and education is key to dispel myths such as the fact that carrying a knife makes you safer.
"In fact, it puts you at more risk as it can be used against you or you could end up using it. It’s just not worth it – even carrying a knife can land you a prison sentence and ruin your life in so many ways.”
“We work with partner agencies and provide advice and help to those who are concerned about themselves, or someone they know being at risk as it’s important for someone in that position to know there is support out there and other options.
“But make no mistake, we will and do come down hard on those who put other people at risk and continue to flout the law. Most people don’t do this and we are determined to bring the few that do to justice.”
Surrender bins, manned by Police Community Support Officers, will be in Chilli Village car park in Market Street between 12.30pm and 2.30pm and then Orchard Street, St James, from 3pm-8pm on Thursday.
A similar amnesty in the town earlier this year saw 50 blades surrendered in just three hours, from swords and machetes to small pocket knives.
A 16-year-old boy was seriously injured in a knife attack in Abington Street last month and, a couple of days later, two victims aged 20 and 21 were taken to hospital after being found with stab wounds in Kings Heath.
The following day police were granted a temporary extension to stop and search powers after two boys were arrested following violence in the Market Square.
Two 16-year-olds have also died in Wellingborough and Corby in knife attacks this year.
■ To report knife crime call 101 or click HERE – always call 999 in an emergency. If you would rather remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.