People looking to surrender unlicensed weapons will be able to do so without fear of prosecution starting from next week, Durham Police have confirmed.

Starting on Monday (November 14) ‘knife bins’ will be located at several police stations across County Durham and Darlington that people can deposit weapons, ornamental knives or bladed articles completely anonymously.

The national campaign, branded ‘Operation Sceptre’ aims to reduce knife crime and tackle weapon-based violence.

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Local lead for Operation Sceptre, Inspector Michael Sammut, said: “Knife crime can devastate the lives of victims and their families.

“Although County Durham and Darlington has one of the lowest levels of knife crime in the country, we remain committed to protecting our communities by doing everything we can to remove as many unused weapons as possible.

"We know that some people who possess these weapons no longer wish to but are scared to hand them in for fear or prosecution, so this is a way we can help them dispose of the items safely without the fear of repercussions and, in turn, keeps the public safe.

“Our aim is to prevent, protect, educate and enforce where necessary to ensure the weapons don’t get into the wrong hands.”

The knife bins will be situated at local police stations including Durham, Darlington, Peterlee, and Bishop Auckland.

Those who cannot attend a station but still wish to surrender an item are encouraged to make alternative arrangements by contacting police on 101.

Although the amnesty is strictly anonymous, it is not a means to dispose of weapons used in crime, and any knife suspected of having been used unlawfully will be investigated.

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