NEARLY 300 knives and weapons were surrendered across the West Mercia Police region as part of an operation which saw knife amnesty bins put in place at police stations.

Overall, 294 knives and bladed weapons were surrendered during Op Sceptre which ran from Monday November 15 to Sunday November 21.

Knife amnesty bins were put in place at police station front counters across the force area, including at Redditch Police Station, to allow members of the public to dispose of unwanted knives safely to prevent them finding their way onto the streets.

Fifty weapons sweeps were also conducted in areas known for weapons being deposited and police also carried out proactive activities in an effort to tackle knife crime, which included visits to schools and colleges to educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife, and Steer Clear workshops.

Officers also attended community meetings and carried out high visibility patrols and leaflet drops, as well as holding media events and town pop up stands.

Seven arrests were also made and 80 test purchase operations carried out in partnership across the force.

The force said the knife bins would remain in place beyond the surrender week and Chief Superintended Paul Moxley, the force lead for Operation Sceptre, added: “We remain totally committed to reducing the threat of knife crime within our communities and reducing the number of victims of knife crime.

“Operation Sceptre is a national week of action that highlights our work to tackle this crime type, however it is important to stress that our work continues beyond this week of action and our officers are working every day to reduce the number of knives being carried and the number of people being hurt by them.

“As always the public have a very import part to play in helping to keep knives off our streets. They can help us as an extra of eyes and ears in our fight against serious violence and knife crime, and making a report to us could help save a life."

Anyone who is worried about someone carrying a knife can report it to police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.