300 knives handed in during Cleveland Police amnesty

Officers say 308 knives and sharp objects were handed in across the force area during a week-long Operation Sceptre, campaign which aimed to raise awareness of knife crime and tackle it.

The operation took place from Monday April 26th and was an opportunity for people to hand in their knives.Officers also continued a number of seizures.

Det Chf Insp Steve Chatterton said: “In excess of 300 knives and sharp objects being recovered is a great way to help us prevent knife crime and go some way towards reducing the risk of incidents taking place.

"We want to do everything that we can to try to reduce the number of tragedies that happen as a result of people carrying knives.

“By taking part in these campaigns and raising awareness of knife crime and the devastating impact that it can have in our communities, we can help to reduce those tragedies.”He added: “In the wrong hands, knives and sharp objects can be extremely dangerous and we are also working with local schools and partner agencies to educate people, including youngsters, on the dangers of carrying knives and the consequences that can come of committing a knife-related crime.

"Even though the national operation has ended., please continue to hand in knives and weapons.”The force still has permanent knife disposal bins in the main police stations in Hartlepool, Stockton and Middlesbrough.