Knife amnesty launched in Rushmoor

Knife amnesty bins have been placed at Aldershot police station and the Rushmoor Borough Council offices in Farnborough as part of the district response to knife crime.

The Rushmoor Neighbourhood Policing Team and Rushmoor Borough Council have teamed up to get knives off the streets.

The bins have been secured by the entrances of Aldershot police station, in Wellington Avenue, Aldershot and Rushmoor Borough Council, in Farnborough Road, Farnborough, from today (Monday 20 August) to Friday 24 August.

Members of the public will be able to dispose of knives and bladed articles without fear of repercussions.

The amnesty is part of Operation Sceptre, an anti-knife campaign through which Hampshire Constabulary is working to take knives off the streets and educate people about the dangers associated with knives.

Rushmoor District Inspector Phil Mayne said: “Sadly, like other towns and cities, Aldershot and Farnborough are not immune to knife crime, and often incidents are suspected to be drug-related.

“We know that people carry knives for many reasons, including fear or because they think it will protect them.

“However, the reality is carrying a knife puts them at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed, or being arrested for possession of a bladed article.

“In joining up with Rushmoor Borough Council, we have provided locations in both Aldershot and Farnborough for people hand in knives or bladed articles without prosecution.”

Councillor Maurice Sheehan, Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Operational Services, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the Police on this important initiative, which will make Rushmoor a safer place to live and work. Carrying a knife is a risk not worth taking, not only to the person carrying it, but to others too. Anything we can do to help the Police to get more knives off the streets has got to be a good move.”

Aldershot police station, Wellington Avenue, Aldershot GU11 1NZ
Front desk opening hours: Mon to Sat 8am to 8pm, Sun 9am 2pm, then 2:45 to 5pm

Rushmoor Borough Council, Council Offices, Farnborough Road, Farnborough GU14 7JU
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 8.30am to 5pm, Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm