On this day in 2022, a knife amnesty took place across Hertfordshire, resulting in the surrender of 310 bladed weapons, including knives, swords, and machetes.
The initiative aimed to reduce the number of illegal knives in circulation while raising awareness about the risks associated with carrying a knife in public.
During the week, 310 knives were surrendered across the county including swords, hunting knives, machetes and a variety of pocket and kitchen knives.
This included 14 from Hatfield, 87 from Stevenage, 7 from Watford, 24 from St Albans, 102 from Hertsmere, and 76 from Broxbourne.
In addition to the amnesty, engagement events were organised with young people in schools and public areas.
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These events included visits to retailers to ensure compliance with laws regarding knife sales to individuals under 18.
Knife detection operations were also conducted, featuring both covert and high-visibility patrols, as well as knife sweeps at various locations across the county.
At the time, Insp Nicola Dean, from Herts police's crime reduction unit who led the campaign, said: "There is always a great response from local residents during our weeks of action and we always get lots of positive feedback from all the young people we speak to as part of our activities."
"The Prevention First approach we take in Hertfordshire means that we ensure that everybody understands the consequences and the penalties associated with knife crime.
"By working with local schools, colleges, charities and councils, we steer young people towards positive life choices."
[From Herts Ad of May 26, 2022]
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