Police boss issues warning over knives

Last week, West Mercia Police force launched a 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 police stations around the county where people can surrender their knives anonymously.

Also as part of the campaign, officers are reminding people of the consequences of carrying a knife.

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: "It’s also a common misconception that carrying a knife can help keep you safe. 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 that 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.”

Anyone who wants to hand over a blade can drop it off at West Mercia police stations around the region, including the main stations in Telford and Shrewsbury.

Knives surrendered to Shropshire’s police force during a four-week amnesty will go towards making a plinth for the famous Knife Angel scuplture.

West Mercia Police has launched the amnesty to get people to hand over their blades.

Those leaving knives will not be expected to give their names or any details. Knives handed in that are suspected of being involved in a crime may be examined for evidence.

This is part of Operation Sceptre, a national operation to reduce knife crime and the number of families affected by knife crime.