AN anti-knife campaigner and a Police Sergeant have urged people to use an ongoing initiative to get dangerous weapons off the streets.

Operation Sceptre, a national week of action coordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), runs from May 16 to 22.

Following its launch on Monday, the Leader spoke with anti-knife campaigner Danny Maddocks, whose 34-year-old brother Craig Maddocks was murdered in a knife attack at the Cambrian Vaults pub, Wrexham, in June 2013. 

Danny said: "If you're carrying a knife, get rid of it - or if you know someone who is carrying a knife, tell them to get rid of it.

"The consequences can be tragic, and it doesn't just affect the person who might get killed.

READ MORE: Week to tackle knife crime underway in North Wales

"It's the aftermath for the family as well, and what they have to suffer through.

"When I think about my brother, and how he was killed, it all comes back - fresh in my mind.

"If you're willing to carry a knife, you're willing to use one.

"And there's no excuse to carry one - just deal with it in a different way, or walk away."

Mr Maddocks is hoping to continue his work in schools with North Wales Police and Youth Justice Service colleagues in the near future, in order to educate youths on the dangers of carrying a blade.

The Leader: A collection bin for knives and weapons. Image: North Wales PoliceA collection bin for knives and weapons. Image: North Wales Police

Wrexham Sergeant David Smith told the Leader: "We have launched Operation Sceptre, so we are aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.

"Fortunately, in Wrexham it's not a significant issue but we are aware of the fact that that we do have issues elsewhere.

"We do have an amnesty bin at the Wrexham Town Police Station and we will be taking one round with us to pop up events which will be visible and accessible in public spaces.

"We can also arrange collection.

"If people have knives or weapons, we ask them to please dispose of them safely.

READ MORE: Anti-knife campaigner Danny Maddocks' plea to parents

"You now can't keep weapons like knuckle dusters, large knives or swords in your home either - that is an offence.

"They're rightly thought of as offensive now as they could fall into the wrong hands and potentially put the lives of others at risk.

"We also plan on conducting open land searches in public spaces across the district, so we'll be out searching foliage for any discarded or stashed knives."

Mr Maddocks runs a Facebook page for his campaign, which can be found by searching for "Onthe KnifeEdge" on the platform.