North Wales Police are calling on people across the region to give up their potentially lethal weapons this week in a drive to educate people about the dangers of knives.

The campaign is focusing on keeping North Wales a safe place leading up to the summer.

A week-long knife amnesty campaign begins today, running until Sunday.

During this period people are asked to bring knives to local police stations.

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.

Also, North Wales Police’ School Community Police Officers will be raising awareness of the consequences of carrying a knife in lessons across schools in North Wales.

Special amnesty disposal bins will be placed in stations in Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead.

Members of the public can hand in knives to these disposal bins without fear of punishment.

It is advised to wrap the sharp objects in cardboard before handing them in to the stations.

Inspector Julie Sheard from the North Wales Police Community Safety Department said: “Our focus will be on targeting those who habitually carry and use knives, tackling the supply and access to weapons, engagement with the public to increase awareness of the consequences of carrying knives and providing opportunities to surrender weapons.”

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5000.

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.