Knives off the streets following amnesty

MORE than eighty knives, including seven machetes, have been taken off the county’s streets following an amnesty.

The 85 bladed items were recovered from amnesty bins in police stations as part of the weeklong amnesty from July 17.

Police forces across the country took part in Operation Sceptre, allowing members of the public to hand in knives without prosecution.

This was the third knife amnesty in the last year, with previous initiatives taking place in May and October.

From July 2016 to June 2017 there were 220 possession of weapons offences in Cambridgeshire. Of these, 117 were in Peterborough, 49 in Cambridge and 12 in Wisbech.

It is illegal to:  

-          sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18 years old.

-          carry a knife in public without good reason - unless it’s a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, eg a Swiss Army knife

-          carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife

-          use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife)

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5,000.

Inspector Ben Newton said: “The result of this amnesty means that since October last year we have recovered more than 300 knives. Taking weapons off the streets is part of creating a safer Cambridgeshire.

“I’m pleased that the public continue to make use of the amnesties to dispose of weapons without fear of prosecution.

“Those who carry knives not only put lives at risk, but also face a lengthy prison sentence and a hefty fine.”

Anyone who knows someone who carries a knife can also report it anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.