A WEEK-long campaign to help tackle knife crime gets underway in North Wales today (Monday, May 16).

Coordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) Operation Sceptre is a national week of action which runs from May 16-22. 

It brings all 43 police forces and British Transport Police together for a coordinated period of intensification to tackle knife crime, a large contributor to violent crime in the UK.

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North Wales residents urged to hand in unwanted firearms

As part of the week-long operation, people are being encouraged to leave unwanted knives in amnesty bins at police station front counters and at some recycling centres across North Wales.

Inspector Wesley Williams of North Wales Police said: “We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is unacceptable and that no good can come from carrying one.

“Every incident involving a knife has consequences for all those involved, and so this is an issue we take extremely seriously.

“We take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rid yourselves of any unwanted or illegal weapons by taking them to our knife amnesty bins which are located at our police station front counters.

The Leader:

“Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of North Wales. Carrying knives or other weapons do not keep you safe. By carrying a knife you are putting yourself in much greater danger, and more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.

“Retailers have an important role to play in tackling knife crime by ensuring that knives are not falling into the wrong hands. With this, officers will be visiting local retail stores to “knowledge check” staff regarding the sales of knives and the ‘Challenge 25 ID’ approach.”

Unwanted knives can be disposed of in special amnesty bins which are permanently placed at the following police station front counters:

  • Wrexham
  • Mold
  • Rhyl
  • Llandudno
  • Colwyn Bay
  • Bangor
  • Caernarfon
  • Holyhead

Amnesty bins will also be located at Mochdre, Abergele, Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin Recycling Centres for safe disposal of knives.