Knife surrender campaign begins

West Mercia Police is encouraging members of the public to hand-in unwanted knives as part of a national knife surrender.

It said levels of knife crime in the towns and cities covered by the force are relatively low in comparison to other parts of the country, however, its vital work to help keep these levels low.

In order to help, police are encouraging members of the public to hand-in unwanted knives to prevent them from getting into the wrong hands and being used in crime.

Throughout the week officers will be working to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife and speaking to children and young people where possible.

Surrender bins will be in place at Hereford, Redditch, Worcester, Kidderminster, Malinsgate and Monkmoor Police Stations and any unwanted knife or bladed weapon can be deposited.

During the week, as we do all year round, if we have information someone in a property may be involved in knife crime, or crime associated with knives such as county lines drug dealing officers will carry out warrants at these locations.

Community sweeps will take place bringing whole communities together to clear areas of discarded sharp objects that could potentially be used as a weapon.