A WORRYING escalation in knife crime has been tackled head-on by Devon and Cornwall Police with a bladed weapon amnesty this week.

The amnesty finishes today, and people across Teignbridge and the rest of the two counties force area can still dispose of unwanted ‘metalwork’ at designated police stations without fear of prosecution.

The nearest hand-in centre for the latest campaign is Torquay Police Station in the resort’s South Street.

Senior officers say knives of any description can be dumped – including illegal zombie knives and swords, kitchen knives, illegal lock knives, unwanted collectibles, replicas and ceremonial items.

Devon and Cornwall has supported this latest national week of action instigated as part of the ongoing Home Office Operation Sceptre which is actively cracking down on knife crime and raising awareness of the troubles around it.

Most police inquiry offices which are open to the public will have collection bins in which members of the public can leave items anonymously.

Supt Matt Lawler, Local Policing Commander for Exeter, East and Mid Devon said: ‘Here in Devon and Cornwall we do not have the extent of knife crime reported in some major metropolitan areas of the country.

‘However, we are supporting this weeks’ national knife amnesty as part of our ongoing local approach to focusing upon prevention, as any knife taken out of circulation and off the street helps to prevent injuries and deaths.’

He added: ‘Carrying a knife or bladed article is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous. Our message is therefore simple: No good can come from carrying a knife.’

As well as responding to reports of someone carrying a knife, police officers use their powers to search where information or intelligence indicates it is necessary.

In the first six months of 2018, some 226 stop-searches were recorded as primarily looking for weapons, up from 193 for the same period in 2017.

Altogether 32 arrests were made as a result, and a further 26 searches saw in action being taken for other offences or items found.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: ‘There is absolutely no reason why people should be carrying knives.

‘This amnesty gives people the chance to think carefully about whether they want to carry a weapon that would land them with a serious penalty if they were caught with it and inflict devastating injuries if used. I’d urge anyone who carries a knife as a weapon to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of it safely.’

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and an unlimited fine.