More than 200 blades surrendered during the amnesty period so far
The six-week event runs until July 3 and during this time, people can deposit knives at secure bins throughout Derbyshire.
Chief superintendent Jack Atwal said: “People have handed in 241 blades so far and this is great; each surrendered knife is one less that could potentially be used on the streets of Derbyshire.
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Hide Ad“We have seen a small number of knife-related incidents since the amnesty began and I want to remind people that just carrying a knife can result in a prison sentence of up to four years. Take this opportunity to hand your blade in before it’s too late.
“By carrying a knife, there is a strong risk that you may well become a victim of crime yourself. In 65 per cent of cases, people who carry knives have those weapons used against them.”
All surrendered knives will go to the Save a Life Surrender Your Knife project; a scheme run by the British Ironworks Centre to raise awareness of knife crime. The centre is creating an angel sculpture from knives surrendered across the UK.
Derby County Football Club is now backing the campaign and player Will Hughes said: “We’re supporting this amnesty because there is an important message that needs to be shared with young people – knives are not a status symbol. They’re dangerous and we need to get them off our streets.
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Hide Ad“If you have a knife, now is the time to hand it in. If you know someone who carries one, talk to them about it and encourage them to give it up.”
Knife bins can be found at the following locations:
Derby Market Place
St Mary’s Wharf Police Station, Prime Parkway, Chester Green
Cotton Lane Police Station, Allenton
Peartree Police Station, Peartree Road, Normanton
Ilkeston Police Station, Heanor Road
Long Eaton Police Station, Midland Street
Swadlincote Police Station, Civic Way
Chesterfield Police Station, New Beetwell Street
Clay Cross Police Station, Pilsley Road
Ripley Police Station, Wyatt’s Way
Buxton Police Station, Silverlands
Buxton Market Place
Glossop Police Station, Ellison Street
Matlock Police Station, Bank Road
Ensure the blade is wrapped before depositing it in an amnesty bin, using cardboard, bubble wrap or something similar.
Any knives or blades too large to fit in the bins can be handed it an inquiry offices at St Mary’s Wharf, Chesterfield and Buxton police stations.