HUNDREDS of weapons have been handed to police during a two-week amnesty.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price said he was pleased with the collection of more than 400 weapons, including 380 knives, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, five rifles, eight pistols, nine revolvers, seven ball bearing guns, three shotguns, six air rifles and two air pistols.
Mr Price said: "I am delighted with the response we have had over the last two weeks. I said at the outset of the campaign my aim was to reduce the number of weapons which could potentially feature in a vicious attack, and these results reflect this has been achieved."
Chief Inspector Gary Stephenson said: "I would like to thank all those who have surrendered weapons over the period of the amnesty.
"Whilst we are very pleased with the efforts of the public to rid the streets of dangerous weapons, I would still urge anyone who has not yet handed in weapons in their possession to do so."
Although the amnesty has ended, police said anyone can still surrender a weapon of any type at any time in the future.
Chief Insp Stephenson said: "If anyone seeking to surrender a weapon is concerned about carrying it in public, I would ask them to make a telephone call to the police station prior to attending, as this would help confirm their legitimate possession if they were stopped by police."
Most of the weapons will be destroyed, but some of historical or cultural value could be given to museums.
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