Local police announce knife amnesty

Following an upturn in the number of local incidents involving knives, Dyfed-Powys Police are urging people to safely surrender their knives and any bladed articles during an amnesty week.

Operation Sceptre, a coordinated national approach to tackling knife crime, is running until Sunday, May 25. The week-long campaign aims to reduce the number of knives on the streets and raise awareness about the dangers of carrying bladed weapons.

During this period, Newtown's Park Lane Police Station will serve as an official surrender point where members of the public can hand in knives without fear of prosecution for possession of these items.

The knife surrender programme is part of a broader strategy that also includes Neighbourhood Policing Teams visiting local retailers to provide advice on legislation and the importance of challenging underage customers attempting to purchase knives.

"This initiative provides a valuable opportunity for people to dispose of unwanted bladed items safely and legally," said a Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson. "We encourage anyone with old or unwanted knives to take advantage of this amnesty period."

Police have advised that for those unable to reach a police station during the amnesty period, knives can be safely disposed of in metal bins at local recycling centres, like Welshpool's Potters facility. The public is also reminded not to donate old or unwanted knives to charity shops.

Although knife crime remains relatively rare in the area, police have said that taking potentially dangerous items out of circulation helps keep communities safer. Anyone with concerns about someone carrying a knife is encouraged to report it to the police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.