Knives can be surrendered anonymously in Hemel as police campaign aims to tackle knife crime

Members of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team were in Hemel Hempstead Town Centre yesterday (Monday, April 26) to speak to the community about knife crime.

This week, Hertfordshire Police is conducting a week of action to combat knife crime, as part of Operation Sceptre, a national knife crime initiative.

The aim of the campaign is to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not help to keep you safe.

During the week Hertfordshire Police will be conducting activities aimed at reducing knife crime, including conducting knife sweeps and talking to retailers about making sure knives sales are age checked, as well as educating young people about the dangers of carrying a knife through engagement.

As a direct result of yesterday's engagement in the town centre - and the community asking officers where knives can be surrendered locally - there will be an anonymous Amnesty Bin available at the front of Hemel Hempstead Police Station between 9.30am and 11.30am, and 1pm and 3pm on Friday, April 30.

Knives can also can be surrendered anonymously at Hatfield, Stevenage and Watford police stations. Other temporary surrender points will be in place across the county.

If you are concerned or have information about someone carrying knives or are aware of anyone involved in knife crime you can report this by calling 101.

You can also report information online, or stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.