PEOPLE will be able to dispose of dangerous knives and blades without fear of any repercussions for carrying the objects.

As part of the national anti-knife campaign, Hampshire Constabulary will be placing an amnesty bin at Basingstoke police station in a bid to get knives off the streets.

People will be able to take any items to the station, in London Road, on June 20 as part of Operation Sceptre, which aims to educate people on the dangers associated with knives.

As well as Basingstoke, there will be amnesty bins in Southampton, Newport and Portsmouth stations.

Chief Inspector Claire Taylor, said: “Operation Sceptre is an anti-knife crime initiative which was started by the Metropolitan Police and adopted by a number of forces across the UK.

“Fortunately gang related knife crime is very rare in Hampshire, therefore our focus is on four areas: tackling and disrupting the supply of knives, targeting those who carry and use knives, preventing people from getting involved in knife crime and increasing prosecution.

“We know people carry knives for many reasons including fear, or because they think it will protect them.  However, in reality carrying a knife puts them at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed, not to mention being arrested for possession of a bladed article.

“This amnesty is your chance to hand unlawful weapons in and walk away without prosecution and be free from the fear you could be putting yours and your loved ones lives at risk.

“I would urge you to take this opportunity to rid yourselves of any illegal weapons, as we are continually developing intelligence on those believed to be carrying knives or bladed articles.  We will take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets.”