HUNDREDS of knives were handed in to Dorset Police during a four-day amnesty last month.

Hunting knives, samurai-style swords, rapiers, cleavers and sword sticks were among the blades handed in during the initiative, which took place between September 18 and 21.

In total, 405 weapons were taken to police stations in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Blandford during the amnesty.

Superintendent Jared Parkin, Dorset Police’s knife crime lead, said: “We’re pleased with the results of this knife amnesty.

“As we have previously warned, it is often those that carry knives who end up injured by them if a confrontation takes place. This is exactly the sort of reason why the knife amnesty was held.”

The amnesty is part of the Home Office’s Operation Sceptre, which focuses on reducing knife crime across the UK.

Supt Parkin said: “Any knife taken out of circulation and off the street helps to prevent injuries and deaths.

“No good can come from carrying a knife. For your own safety and that of others, please get rid of it.”

All of the blades handed in will be destroyed by the force’s waste contractor.

Outside of amnesty periods, people with unwanted household knives can dispose of them in household waste as long as they are packaged securely to avoid injuries to others.

Dorset’s police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “Knife crime destroys lives.

“There is no circumstance where carrying a knife as a weapon or as some kind of protection is acceptable.

“Carrying a knife only makes you more vulnerable and places those around you at greater risk.’’

Anyone with questions about blades or firearms should visit a police enquiry station for more information.