SIX weapons have been handed in at Basingstoke police station following two weeks of Hampshire Constabulary's knife amnesty. 

Knife amnesty bins have been placed at four police stations across Hampshire as part of an ongoing national anti-knife campaign, Operation Sceptre.

Members of the public are being encouraged to dispose of knives and bladed articles in the amnesty bins without fear of repercussions.  The amnesty is part of Operation Sceptre, a campaign through which we are working to take knives off the streets and educate people about the dangers associated with knives. 

Chief Inspector Claire Taylor, said: “After the first two weeks of this amnesty we have had six weapons handed in, in Basingstoke; that's six weapons off the street which can no longer be used to harm anybody. 

"The amnesty will continue until July 20; this 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.

“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. 

“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.”