A WEEK-LONG knife amnesty will be held across Cumbria as part of a national week of action.

It’s the second time this year that Operation Sceptre will be in action. People will once again be given the chance to dispose of any unwanted knifes in a bid to make the county even safer.

In March, 280 blades and potential weapons were handed in at police stations in the county.

The surrender will apply countywide and will run from this Monday (September 16) until Sunday, September 22.

Bins will be available at the front counters of police stations for members of the public to anonymously hand in unwanted knives, including knives that are illegal.

As part of this year’s operation, test purchases of knives by youths will also be carried out across Cumbria.

Police say this will see volunteer teenagers test shop staff on whether they know the law on the sale of knives.

Staff should not sell to anyone under 18 any blade or any sharply pointed instrument that can cause injury.

Superintendent Mark Pannone is leading the initiative again.

He said: “This operation has been a success every time it has been held in Cumbria.

“We have seen hundreds of potentially dangerous blades handed in to police.

“In Cumbria we do not have a specific knife culture or youth gang culture and we consistently see a lower number of incidents than in other areas of the UK.

“Just like everywhere, knife crime can and does happen here. We are extremely aware of this and take the issue very seriously.

“So every time someone hands a knife or blade in during these surrenders that is one fewer knife or blade out there that could hurt someone.

“There is absolutely no reason for people to carry knives in Cumbria to make themselves feel safer.

“So we would urge anyone who wishes to remove or get rid of a knife – perhaps to take it out of the reach of someone they have concerns about - to take advantage of the surrender and hand it in and prevent weapons getting into the hands of criminals.”

Peter McCall, the crime commissioner, added: “Knife crime is on the rise across the country and it is essential that the police and public work together to help reduce this.

“No one wants to see any of their friends, family, neighbours or colleagues become a victim of knife crime so I would encourage anyone who has a knife, with the intent to use or to protect themselves, to place it in one of the many bins that will be located across Cumbria.

“Handing over an unused knife could save a life – lets work together and make Cumbria an even safer place to live.”

Knife surrender bins will be available at Carlisle Police Station at Durranhill from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on the Sunday.

Bins will be available between 9am and 1pm from Monday to Saturday at Hunter Lane Police Station in Penrith and in Whitehaven and Workington between 8am and 8pm, with Workington open from 10am to 8pm on Sunday.

A police spokesman said: “Anyone wishing to bring knives or weapons for destruction should consider how they are transported to police stations.

“Please bring them wrapped up or boxed so that they remain safe while being carried.

“If in doubt, please contact 101 for further advice.”