An ‘encouraging’ number of knives and dangerous weapons have been handed in to Kent Police during the first week of the national amnesty.

The force is supporting the amnesty, which runs until 30 June, by placing special red bins at stations around the county for people to dispose of potentially lethal knives and other weapons.

Already, a good number of blades and other weapons have been handed in to police – including two samurai swords.

 ‘Every one that is handed in is a weapon that cannot be used in crime and every knife or weapon that is placed in our bins is potentially a life saved,’ said amnesty co-ordinator Chief Inspector Mark Harrison.

Chief Inspector Harrison continued: ‘People who carry knives should realise they could become a stabbing victim themselves. Anyone who carries a knife or weapon should think about why they do this and see the sense to hand it in safely.’

Carrying a knife or weapon for ‘protection’ is illegal and anyone found carrying an offensive weapon in a public place can face up to six months imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine.

Mr Harrison said that each year, officers from Kent Police remove a thousand knives and bladed weapons from the county’s streets.

The amnesty, which started a week ago today on 24 May, is part of Kent Police’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 the Kent Police website. People handing in knives and other weapons are asked to wrap them in cardboard and secure them with tape before disposal.

‘We’re encouraged with the initial response to the amnesty with scores of knives and weapons being handed over,’ said Chief Inspector Harrison.

‘I hope more people will be encouraged over the next month to come forward and dispose of these weapons.