LOCAL Police officers are warning those who carry knives or are considering carrying a knife to think of the consequences to themselves and others.
Both Warwickshire and West Mercia Police are taking part on a nationwide knife surrender campaign aimed at making the region’s streets safer by encouraging people to hand their weapons in anonymously at a police station.
Knife bins have been located at Redditch and Stratford police stations where people can surrender their knives anonymously.
Redditch-based Chief Inspector Sharon Cannings said: “There are obvious consequences of carrying a knife, the main one being that you could end up in prison or causing harm to someone.
“But there are other less obvious consequences. If you’re caught with a knife you will get a criminal record and this will impact upon the rest of your life including ruined job prospects, not being able to go to university and not being able to travel to some countries, including the United States.
“However, the main consequence could be the untold damage you can cause. Unfortunately we have seen the damage knife crime causes to victims and their families and friends and this is why we’re encouraging people to think twice and leave the knife at home; it could be the most important decision you make.”
She added: “Carrying a knife gives people a false sense of security, if you carry one you are more likely to get stabbed yourself.
“Some people are also under the misconception you can stab someone ‘safely’. However, one stab to any part of the body can kill. If you hit an artery in the arm or leg it can be just as serious as stabbing someone in the chest or neck.”
Possession of a knife carries can carry a prison sentence of up to four years. If you stab someone and they die you face a life sentence serving a minimum of 25 years.
People surrendering knives will not be required to leave any information but if police suspect a weapon may have been involved in a crime they will examine it for evidence.
