People in Kent have handed in over 500 weapons during the third week of the knife amnesty, which runs until 30 June.
1,717 knives and dangerous weapons have now been placed in the special secure red bins at police stations and other locations around the county.
Figures for the first week were 405, the second week 752 and the third week has reached 501 knives and weapons handed in. The total figure now stands at 1,717.
In East Kent one cutlass and two samurai swords were handed in. Two ornamental swords, a bayonet and two machetes were handed in in West Kent.
At the end of the second week, Chief Inspector Mark Harrison commented on how the public response has already surpassed expectations.
Kent Police continues to push those messages through by talking to members of the public and distributing over 80,000 public safety leaflets in schools.
Carrying a knife or weapon for ‘protection’ is illegal and anyone found with an offensive weapon in a public place can face up to six months imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine.
The national amnesty started on 24 May. Kent Police is supporting it as part of the force’s continuing efforts to help reduce violent crime.
Details of where to find the bins are available on the Amnesty Information Line – 01622 654321 – and also on the Kent Police website at www.kent.police.uk. Here you can download posters and flyers, including flyers in six different languages.
People handing in knives and other weapons are asked to wrap them in cardboard and secure them with tape before disposal.
