Menu
16/06/2006
Knife amnesty nets 17,700 edged weapons
A total of 17,715 edged weapons and a rocket launcher were among the items handed in during the first week of the national knives amnesty, the government announced today.
As well as knives, the weapons surrendered to police forces across England and Wales include machetes, meat cleavers and axes. Police in Devon & Cornwall even took receipt of an anti-tank rocket launcher.
Speaking during a visit to Long Eaton in Derbyshire to see the range of weapons submitted during the amnesty, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker Coaker welcomed the initial success of the campaign but appealed to those who have not yet handed over their weapons to do so - before it's too late.
He said: "The National Knife Amnesty is just one - albeit an important one - of the many tactics being used by the Government and the police to tackle the problem of knife crime in England and Wales.
"The initial figures for the first week of that campaign are very encouraging, with 17,715 weapons being handed in to the police. That is 17,715 fewer weapons that can be used in a crime against ordinary, law-abiding citizens.
"For those who have not yet handed their weapons, the message to them is that it's not too late. If you carry a knife out of self-defence, you run the risk of having it turned on you. Carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated - indeed, it could land you four years in prison."
Tony Melville, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on the knife amnesty and Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "ACPO is encouraged by the number of weapons handed in during the amnesty. It is a significant step towards making our streets safer."
The national knives amnesty began on 24 May 2006 and will continue until Friday 30 June.
It is being supported by a national poster campaign, with bus-stop sized adverts being placed in high knife-crime areas.
It is an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority, with the exception of a folding pocket-knife with a blade not exceeding three inches.
The penalty is up to two years' imprisonment. However, possession of an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse carries a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment.
Certain knives, such as flick-knives, are categorised as offensive weapons.
(SP/GB)
As well as knives, the weapons surrendered to police forces across England and Wales include machetes, meat cleavers and axes. Police in Devon & Cornwall even took receipt of an anti-tank rocket launcher.
Speaking during a visit to Long Eaton in Derbyshire to see the range of weapons submitted during the amnesty, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker Coaker welcomed the initial success of the campaign but appealed to those who have not yet handed over their weapons to do so - before it's too late.
He said: "The National Knife Amnesty is just one - albeit an important one - of the many tactics being used by the Government and the police to tackle the problem of knife crime in England and Wales.
"The initial figures for the first week of that campaign are very encouraging, with 17,715 weapons being handed in to the police. That is 17,715 fewer weapons that can be used in a crime against ordinary, law-abiding citizens.
"For those who have not yet handed their weapons, the message to them is that it's not too late. If you carry a knife out of self-defence, you run the risk of having it turned on you. Carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated - indeed, it could land you four years in prison."
Tony Melville, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on the knife amnesty and Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "ACPO is encouraged by the number of weapons handed in during the amnesty. It is a significant step towards making our streets safer."
The national knives amnesty began on 24 May 2006 and will continue until Friday 30 June.
It is being supported by a national poster campaign, with bus-stop sized adverts being placed in high knife-crime areas.
It is an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority, with the exception of a folding pocket-knife with a blade not exceeding three inches.
The penalty is up to two years' imprisonment. However, possession of an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse carries a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment.
Certain knives, such as flick-knives, are categorised as offensive weapons.
(SP/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 May 2006
Nationwide knife amnesty begins
The first national knife amnesty for over 10 years has begun in the UK. Until June 30, people will be given the chance to hand in knives without fear of prosecution.
Nationwide knife amnesty begins
The first national knife amnesty for over 10 years has begun in the UK. Until June 30, people will be given the chance to hand in knives without fear of prosecution.
08 February 2006
Clarke announces nationwide knife amnesty
A nationwide knives amnesty will be begin at the end of May, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced. The amnesty, which will run between May 24 and June 30, will target those who carry knives and offensive weapons and urge them to hand the weapons in.
Clarke announces nationwide knife amnesty
A nationwide knives amnesty will be begin at the end of May, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced. The amnesty, which will run between May 24 and June 30, will target those who carry knives and offensive weapons and urge them to hand the weapons in.
05 February 2004
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
10 June 2015
Knife Amnesty Launched In London
A month-long knife amnesty has been launched in Haringey in an ongoing crack down on knife crime. The amnesty begins today (Wednesday) and will run until Friday 09 July. Two 'weapon bins' will be made available for anyone to dispose of a knife or similar sharp weapon without being prosecuted for being in possession of them.
Knife Amnesty Launched In London
A month-long knife amnesty has been launched in Haringey in an ongoing crack down on knife crime. The amnesty begins today (Wednesday) and will run until Friday 09 July. Two 'weapon bins' will be made available for anyone to dispose of a knife or similar sharp weapon without being prosecuted for being in possession of them.
10 November 2014
London-Wide Gun Amnesty Underway
A London-wide gun amnesty has gotten underway, allowing people to anonymously leave firearms and ammunition into their local police stations. The Metropolitan Police last ran a gun amnesty in 2008 and say they are particularly interested in stopping antique weapons from falling into the hands of gangs in the city.
London-Wide Gun Amnesty Underway
A London-wide gun amnesty has gotten underway, allowing people to anonymously leave firearms and ammunition into their local police stations. The Metropolitan Police last ran a gun amnesty in 2008 and say they are particularly interested in stopping antique weapons from falling into the hands of gangs in the city.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
