Devon and Cornwall Police is this week declaring a knife amnesty (July 17 to 23).

The force is supporting Operation Sceptre, a Home Office instigated week of action aimed at detecting knife-related crime, increasing intelligence, community engagement and public reassurance, the main part of which is the amnesty.

Members of the public can dispose of unwanted bladed items, without fear of prosecution, such as knives, zombie knives, swords, kitchen knives and unwanted collectibles.

There will be collection bins at Charles Cross and Crownhill in Plymouth; Camborne, St Austell and Bodmin in Cornwall.

Chief Superintendent David Thorne, based in Plymouth, said: ’This amnesty is for any kind of knife or bladed item that could be used as a weapon. If you possess a knife that has no legitimate use in your home, hobby or profession, please use this opportunity to get rid of it, otherwise it is potentially dangerous to you and others.

’There is no reason for anyone to carry a knife in public. Someone carrying a knife is much more likely to get stabbed themselves as situations which involve weapons can quickly get out of control.’