Knife amnesty in city (From Daily Echo)

Police in Southampton launch knife amnesty

10:27am Friday 1st March 2013 in News

A KNIFE amnesty will be launched in Southampton today as police step up the war on drug-related violence in the city.

The month-long initiative is aimed at getting people to safely dispose of any bladed or unlawful weapon they may own without facing any prosecution.

Bins will be placed at both Southampton and Bitterne police stations during station opening hours.

But people are being ordered not to bring live munitions or hand grenades.

The campaign has been launched as part of Operation Fortress, the Daily Echobacked campaign to rid the city of drug-related violence, which has escalated in recent years.

Chief Inspector Kelly Whiting said: “Such weapons have been involved in drug-related violent crimes in Southampton and it’s our aim to reduce the risk they pose by taking them off our streets.

“Operation Fortress was launched last year following a serious of significant violent incidents between 2010 and 2012, including six cases where people were stabbed.

“We know people carry knives for many reasons, including fear or because they think it can help protect them. The reality is it puts them at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed, not to mention being arrested for possessing an offensive weapon.

“This amnesty is your chance to hand in unlawful weapons and walk away without prosecution and free from the fear you could be putting you and your loved ones’ lives at risk.”