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A knife amnesty bin has been set up at Blackwood Police Station in an attempt to deter knife crime.

Throughout this week, Gwent Police is running a knife amnesty campaign – encouraging people in possession of dangerous weapons to get rid of them anonymously – and without the risk of prosecution.

The campaign is part of Operation Sceptre – a regular nationwide event aimed at raising awareness of and tackling knife crime.

The bins will be open each day this week between 9am and 1pm, and again between 2pm and 4pm.

The amnesty bin opened on Monday November 13 and will remain open until Friday November 17.

Bins will also be open at police stations in Newport, Monmouth, Ebbw Vale and Cwmbran.

Police officers will also be carrying out patrols and delivering presentations at school to raise awareness of the impact of knife crime, as well as visiting shops as part of its responsible sellers scheme.

The scheme was first launched in Caerphilly County Borough in 2021.

Sergeant Phill Jones, of Gwent Police, said: “As part of our daily policing, we carry out intelligence-led patrols to deter offending and target those who commit violent crime. This continues into Operation Sceptre, where officers will patrol areas previously affected by crimes like these.”

Sgt Jones continued: “I want to reassure residents that those caught carrying a knife, no matter the reason, will be stopped and the weapon will be seized and removed from our streets.

“There is no excuse. Carrying a knife doesn’t protect you. They can destroy lives, which is why it’s also important we continue to engage with young people and educate them on the consequences of carrying bladed articles.”

Anyone with information on knife crime and those involved, or anyone with concerns about violent crime in their area, can contact Gwent Police on 101, or through direct message on social media.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone worried about someone or looking for support themselves can visit knifefree.co.uk for advice.