POLICE in Flintshire say there has been a 'positive' start to a national anti-knife crime campaign this week.

The national Operation Sceptre campaign returns once again this week (until Sunday, November 17), with residents urged to hand over their blades.

The initiative takes place twice a year co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council and aims to raise awareness of knife crime, as well as police action in detecting, reducing and preventing it.

Officers undertake a range of activities including targeted operations, engagement and education to reassure young people they are safer not carrying knives, and to walk away from harm. 

And North Wales Police officers based in Flintshire are already seeing a 'positive' impact.

TOP STORIES TODAY

A spokesperson for NWP's North Flintshire team said: "Following the post earlier today, I’d like to thank those who came out to speak with me about weapons, and other issues.

"It’s been a positive day, with people signing up to our Community Alert system, having positive discussions about local issues and handing knives handed in for destruction.

"I’d like to thank the member/ member’s of the public who came to speak with me and especially for handing in these knives in for destruction personally to me whilst out and about (see attached photo). These will be taken to our amnesty bin and safely destroyed."

They added: "Before you say it... YES, some are rusty, however, most are still sharp and in the wrong hands could do some serious damage."