Knife Amnesty

Hertfordshire Constabulary is joining police forces across the country in Operation Sceptre, a national knife amnesty and week of action that will run between Monday March 11 and Sunday March 17. The amnesty supports the national campaign to reduce the number of knives in circulation.

During the amnesty week, members of the public can surrender any unwanted knives to the police anonymously and without fear of prosecution for possession of these items. Knives can be surrendered anonymously in the knife bins provided at these police stations: Hatfield, Stevenage and Watford. The locations and opening times of these stations can be found at www.herts.police.uk/stations.

There will be a knife bin at The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead on the following days where the public can surrender any unwanted knives without fear of prosecution:

Tuesday 12th March 1100 to 1300
Thursday 14th March 1400 to 1600
Friday 15th March 1300 to 1500

Outside these times, this week, please do contact your local officer via 101 and they can arrange a visit to collect any unwanted knives you may have.

A temporary knife bin will also be in place at Sainsbury in Potters Bar on Tuesday March 12 between 3pm – 5pm and at the Furzefield Centre in Potters Bar on Wednesday March 13 between 3.30pm – 5.30pm. There will also be permanent knife surrender bins in Waltham Cross details of which can be found at www.herts.police.uk/amnesty.

As part of the wider campaign, officers will be carrying out knife detection operations; visiting schools to talk to young people about the dangers of carrying knives; and raising awareness amongst local businesses that selling certain knives to anyone under 18 is illegal.

Police are also working with Crimestoppers, the independent charity that gives people the power to speak up to stop crime 100% anonymously, and their site for young people: Fearless.

Fearless is a site where young people can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. It also provides a safe place to give information about crime – 100% anonymously. Visit www.fearless.org.