POLICE are urging people to hand in knives in a drive to tackle knife crime.
Dubbed Operation Sceptre, a surrender bin has been placed at Redditch Police Station and other stations in the region where any unwanted blade or knife can be deposited.
West Mercia Police say in comparison to other parts of the country knife crime is low in this area, however they say it is vital that those figures remain low.
The drive lasts until Sunday, November 21 and throughout the week officers will be working to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife and speaking to children and young people where possible.
During the week and indeed at all times police say any tip offs received on knife crime, or crime associated with knives such as county lines drug dealing, will result in officers will carry out warrants at those locations.
Community sweeps will also be taking place bringing whole communities together to clear areas of discarded sharp objects that could potentially be used as a weapon.
Chief Superintendent Paul Moxley, said: “I firmly believe early intervention is crucial in deterring young people from becoming involved in a knife culture.
“For the past two years, our successful ‘Steer Clear’ programme has helped young people involved in, or on the periphery of being involved in, knife crime find an alternative route and we deliver this programme across our three counties.
“One knife incident, one person hurt, is one too many and the more we do to stop knives getting into the wrong hands and being used in crime the better.”
During the week police will also be using their Knife Arch at key locations such as train stations and local schools.
Anyone concerned that a young person is involved in or on the periphery of becoming involved in knife crime and carrying a knife can report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
More information for young people about the stark consequences of knife crime can be found at www.fearless.org where concerns can also be reported anonymously.
