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16/06/2006
Knife amnesty nets 17,700 edged weapons
A total of 17,715 edged weapons and a rocket launcher were among the items handed in during the first week of the national knives amnesty, the government announced today.
As well as knives, the weapons surrendered to police forces across England and Wales include machetes, meat cleavers and axes. Police in Devon & Cornwall even took receipt of an anti-tank rocket launcher.
Speaking during a visit to Long Eaton in Derbyshire to see the range of weapons submitted during the amnesty, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker Coaker welcomed the initial success of the campaign but appealed to those who have not yet handed over their weapons to do so - before it's too late.
He said: "The National Knife Amnesty is just one - albeit an important one - of the many tactics being used by the Government and the police to tackle the problem of knife crime in England and Wales.
"The initial figures for the first week of that campaign are very encouraging, with 17,715 weapons being handed in to the police. That is 17,715 fewer weapons that can be used in a crime against ordinary, law-abiding citizens.
"For those who have not yet handed their weapons, the message to them is that it's not too late. If you carry a knife out of self-defence, you run the risk of having it turned on you. Carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated - indeed, it could land you four years in prison."
Tony Melville, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on the knife amnesty and Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "ACPO is encouraged by the number of weapons handed in during the amnesty. It is a significant step towards making our streets safer."
The national knives amnesty began on 24 May 2006 and will continue until Friday 30 June.
It is being supported by a national poster campaign, with bus-stop sized adverts being placed in high knife-crime areas.
It is an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority, with the exception of a folding pocket-knife with a blade not exceeding three inches.
The penalty is up to two years' imprisonment. However, possession of an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse carries a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment.
Certain knives, such as flick-knives, are categorised as offensive weapons.
(SP/GB)
As well as knives, the weapons surrendered to police forces across England and Wales include machetes, meat cleavers and axes. Police in Devon & Cornwall even took receipt of an anti-tank rocket launcher.
Speaking during a visit to Long Eaton in Derbyshire to see the range of weapons submitted during the amnesty, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker Coaker welcomed the initial success of the campaign but appealed to those who have not yet handed over their weapons to do so - before it's too late.
He said: "The National Knife Amnesty is just one - albeit an important one - of the many tactics being used by the Government and the police to tackle the problem of knife crime in England and Wales.
"The initial figures for the first week of that campaign are very encouraging, with 17,715 weapons being handed in to the police. That is 17,715 fewer weapons that can be used in a crime against ordinary, law-abiding citizens.
"For those who have not yet handed their weapons, the message to them is that it's not too late. If you carry a knife out of self-defence, you run the risk of having it turned on you. Carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated - indeed, it could land you four years in prison."
Tony Melville, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on the knife amnesty and Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "ACPO is encouraged by the number of weapons handed in during the amnesty. It is a significant step towards making our streets safer."
The national knives amnesty began on 24 May 2006 and will continue until Friday 30 June.
It is being supported by a national poster campaign, with bus-stop sized adverts being placed in high knife-crime areas.
It is an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority, with the exception of a folding pocket-knife with a blade not exceeding three inches.
The penalty is up to two years' imprisonment. However, possession of an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse carries a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment.
Certain knives, such as flick-knives, are categorised as offensive weapons.
(SP/GB)
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Clarke announces nationwide knife amnesty
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Knife amnesty makes streets safer
The Home Office has today revealed that a total of 89,864 knives were handed over during the National five week Knife Amnesty. During the period from May 24 until June 30, people were encouraged to dispose of their knives in secure bins at police stations throughout England and Wales.
Knife amnesty makes streets safer
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10 June 2015
Knife Amnesty Launched In London
A month-long knife amnesty has been launched in Haringey in an ongoing crack down on knife crime. The amnesty begins today (Wednesday) and will run until Friday 09 July. Two 'weapon bins' will be made available for anyone to dispose of a knife or similar sharp weapon without being prosecuted for being in possession of them.
Knife Amnesty Launched In London
A month-long knife amnesty has been launched in Haringey in an ongoing crack down on knife crime. The amnesty begins today (Wednesday) and will run until Friday 09 July. Two 'weapon bins' will be made available for anyone to dispose of a knife or similar sharp weapon without being prosecuted for being in possession of them.
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