WEAPONS including cleavers and machetes have been handed in to police during a knife amnesty in Southampton.

Hampshire Constabulary put bins at their Southampton central and Portswood stations and 142 weapons were handed in less than three weeks.

The initiative was part of Operation Sceptre, which aims to get knives off the streets and educate people about their dangers.

Police also carried out four home raids, searched 20 people and 11 vehicles, and arrested 16 people for drugs offences.

The amnesty offered residents to hand in illegal weapons without being prosecuted and the force says knife crime reduced 33 per cent compared to the previous month.

Sergeant Charlie Ilderton from Southampton Central Neighbourhood Team said: “We are really pleased with the results of this amnesty.

“Tackling violent crime is a priority for us and we can help protect people from harm by working together and carrying out these kind of campaigns.

“We continue to work with our communities, in schools and colleges, educating young people on the dangers of knife crime. We’re working hard to protect people now, and in the future.

“Our message to those people who insist on bringing violence to the streets of Southampton remains the same, we will take robust action against anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article in this city.”

To contact police in relation to knife crime call 101.