A WEEK long national campaign to tackle knife crime and highlight the risks of carrying a knife began this week.

From Tuesday 18 until Monday September 24, a knife amnesty will be held allowing people to bring unwanted knives, without fear of punishment, to police stations where special amnesty disposal bins will be located. Bins are also being placed at recycling centres across Conwy and Denbighshire.

Originally launched by the Metropolitan Police in 2015, Operation Sceptre is a countrywide operation which aims to reduce the number of illegal knives in circulation.

North Wales Police, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Neill Anderson said: “Knife crime has devastating consequences, not only on families but also the wider community.

“Carrying a knife does not keep you safe and by carrying a knife you are putting yourself and others in much greater danger. If caught with a knife you could face a prison sentence of up to five years – and that is just for possession in a public place. If you cause injury there will be other charges and you could go to prison for longer.

“This week of activity is part of our commitment to disrupt criminal activity and take as many knives off the streets as possible. Our three previous campaigns saw almost 900 knives surrendered across the region which has undoubtedly contributed to a safer North Wales.

The campaign also has the full support of the Welsh Ambulance Service and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Duncan Robertson, Regional Clinical Lead – Consultant Paramedic for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: “I have provided care for the victims of a knife attack. I have also seen people who have had to cope with the aftermath of a stabbing and come to terms with the lasting psychological effects. Knife injuries are devastating.”

Special amnesty disposal bins are located at police stations in: Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead. If you are unable to attend any of these locations, alternative arrangements can be made with a member of your local policing team. Bins are also located at Mochdre, Abergele, Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin Recycling Centres.

If you know somebody carrying a knife please report it to North Wales Police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.