RRESIDENTS who arm themselves with a knife, scissors, screwdriver or other bladed items are being urged to hand them in this week and face no risk of prosecution.

Dorset Police is supporting Op Sceptre, a campaign led by the Home Office to reduce knife crime. The amnesty bins are located at Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth police station enquiry offices until Sunday, February 18.

Members of the public are being asked to ensure any knives being taken to the surrender bins are carried discreetly, secured safely in a bag and are covered with protection such as bubble wrap and cardboard to prevent injury.

The bins can be used for depositing any bladed instrument safely and anonymously.

The Home Office defines a knife as any bladed instrument including axes, machetes, sharp pointed pens and razor blades when used as a weapon.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Although Dorset is one of the safest places in the UK to live, visit and work, the Force is still keen to support any initiative which encourages this trend to continue.”

For information on what knives are legal or illegal and under what circumstances visit: www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives