Knife amnesty launched across Gwent

This week, we're supporting a campaign to remove dangerous weapons from the streets, reduce knife crime and raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

As part of the Op Sceptre campaign which runs until 21 November, amnesty bins have been set-up to allow people to anonymously dispose of knives at police stations across Gwent without fear of prosecution.

Knife amnesty bins have been placed at the following police stations and times in Gwent this week:

• Newport Central 8am - 8pm
• Monmouth 9am - 5pm
• Blackwood 9am - 5pm
• Ebbw Vale 9am - 5pm
• Cwmbran 9am - 5pm

Chief Inspector Martyn Smith said:

“Knife crime still remains rare across our communities, but has risen nationally.

“Across policing we’re committed to reassuring the public and keeping our communities safe.

“There are a number of ways that we are tackling and educating the public about knife crime. Through policing operations and engaging with local businesses, we’re ensuring that knives have no place on our streets.

“Tackling knife crime is part of everyday policing, our officers conduct intelligence lead stop-search powers to target those who may commit violent crime.

“I want to reassure communities that anyone caught carrying a knife, no matter the reason, will be stopped, searched, and the weapon seized and the person subject to potential criminal proceedings.

“Every knife taken off the streets is another life potentially saved.

“If anyone has any information about individuals involved in knife crime or has any concerns, please call Gwent police on 101 or direct message us via Facebook or Twitter. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.”