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A police push to tackle knife crime has seen 30 knives taken off the streets across Gwent.

As part of the nationwide Operation Sceptre, knife amnesty bins were put up at police stations across the region earlier this month, including in Blackwood.

The bins allowed people to safely and, anonymously, dispose of dangerous knives and blades.

As part of the operation, Gwent Police officers helped council trading standards teams, and visited a number of schools to teach children the dangers of carrying a knife.

Sergeant Phill Jones, Gwent Police’s lead for Operation Sceptre, said: “We work year-round to tackle knife crime, but Sceptre gives us the opportunity to highlight this ongoing work and the impact it has on keeping our communities safe.

“Knife crime can have a devastating impact and while policing plays a big role in reducing knife crime, we cannot address the issue alone.

“During the week of action, we supported local authorities to carry out test purchase operations – and only one retailer failed to challenge the age of the young people making a purchase.”

He continued: “We carried out proactive patrols, stop-searches and acted on police-led and community intelligence about people who may carry a weapon on our streets.

“We saw a high volume of knives deposited into our permanent amnesty bins at police stations where people could safely and anonymously dispose of weapons.”

Sgt Jones added: “Carrying a knife or other weapons doesn’t protect you. A knife can make a situation worse, which is why we continue to speak with young people to educate them on the consequences of carrying bladed articles. Every knife taken off our streets is potentially another life saved.”

Anyone with information about individuals involved in knife crime can contact Gwent Police on 101 or through direct message on social media.

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