Force wide Knife Amnesty Launches
Officers in North Wales are calling on people across the region to give up their potentially lethal weapons in a drive to educate people about the dangers of knives and focus on keeping North Wales a safe place leading up to and over the festive season.
A six-week long knife amnesty campaign begins on Wednesday 27th November where people can bring their unwanted knives to many of the area’s police stations.
“Over the last 12 months a knife has been used in just over 1% of all violent crime in North Wales but we remain committed to driving knife crime down even further. This amnesty provides the minority who are still in possession of weapons an opportunity to dispose of them safely,” said Inspector Julie Sheard from the North Wales Police Community Safety Department.
“Carrying a knife is an offence and you are actually putting yourself in danger of your weapon being used against you. Not only is it illegal, the repercussions can have devastating effects.
She added: “Running such a campaign will allow us to remove knives from circulation, further reducing the risk to the public. Even if it’s only keeping one knife out of the wrong hands on the streets then it’s worthwhile.”
In addition, North Wales Police’ School Community Police Officers will deliver lessons in schools to raise awareness of the real consequences of carrying a knife and the risks.
Special red disposal bins are located at Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Llangefni, Holyhead, Bangor Pwllheli, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Tywyn police stations and members of the public will be able to hand in knives without fear of punishment.
Inspector Sheard added: “We’ve held previous successful knife amnesties in the past and we very much hope this one will be too – this is also a good opportunity for you to get rid of unwanted knives from your kitchen drawers, old blades or any other sharp implements.
“Although knife crime is not generally a problem in North Wales, we did have the high profile case in early October where students from Glyndwr University were randomly assaulted by a man in the Wrexham area.
"With this in the forefront of our minds, it is imperative that we educate people of the possible consequences of carrying a bladed item.”
Those wishing to dispose of unwanted knives or other sharp implements should wrap them in cardboard to take to the stations.
If you know of somebody carrying a knife report it to North Wales Police on 101 or in an emergency always dial 999. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or give information via their anonymous online form – www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Note:
• During the two-month knife amnesty on Anglesey in February 2009, 210 knives were handed in at police stations across the Island
• Back in 2006, North Wales Police took part in the first national knife amnesty which was launched by the Home Office, where over 1,700 knives were handed in at police stations across the force area
The Law
• It is illegal for any shop to sell a knife of any kind (including cutlery and kitchen knives) to anyone under the age of 18
• It is a crime to carry a knife in public without good reason – for example, if you work as a chef
• The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5000
• It is illegal to carry, buy or sell any type of knife banned by the government (the list of banned knives is below)
• Knives with folding blades, like Swiss Army knives, are not illegal as long as the blade is three inches long (7.62 cms) or less
• If any knife is used in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife), it is regarded as an 'offensive weapon' by the law
• Any sharp instrument – even a screwdriver – can be viewed by the police as an illegal offensive weapon if you do not have a good reason for carrying it
