MORE than 360 knives and other potentially dangerous items have been taken into police possession after a week-long initiative aimed at highlighting the danger of knife crime.

Teams across Northumbria Police took part in Operation Sceptre – a coordinated effort to clampdown on knife crime and violence in communities and as part of their activity, officers carried out 26 weapons sweeps, scanning areas for any dangerous items, visited 39 separate schools to educate pupils about the risks which come with carrying a knife, as well as visiting dozens of antique weapons collectors and enthusiasts.

Members of the public also turned out to hand over a total of 218 items into red surrender bins placed at stations across the force area.

A total of 364 knives and other items have now been taken into police possession through a combination of voluntary surrenders, visits to collectors and enforced seizures.

The positive response to the initiative has now been praised by assistant chief constable Neil Hutchison, who said it was great to see communities working with police to prevent and raise awareness of the devastating harm caused by knife crime.

He said: “There is no doubt that knife crime ruins lives, which is why we are determined to educate the public, and in particular young people, about the consequences which come with carrying a weapon.

“Our stance on knife crime and serious violence is unequivocal – it has absolutely no place in our region.

“This week of action has been extremely successful and we want to thank the public for their cooperation. It’s been pleasing to see so many people use our surrender bins and hand over a total of 218 items. We know the majority of people would never dream of carrying these items around with them but they will now be disposed of safely, ensuring they never run the risk of falling into the wrong hands.”

He added: “The activity undertaken as part of this initiative very much builds on the proactive work which takes place throughout the year to reduce the impact of knife crime.

“Thankfully, here in the North East, we do see lower levels of knife crime than comparative areas of the country but we are not complacent – and are committed to playing our part in ensuring the streets we live and work remain safe.”

Anyone with information about someone in possession of a prohibited weapon or who wants to report suspicious activity should contact police.