61 knives taken off the streets of Surrey during national week of action to tackle knife crime

61 knives have been taken off the streets in Surrey as part of a national week of action aimed at tackling knife crime.

A range of activities took place last week including weapon sweeps, test purchasing and education in schools as Surrey Police’s work to tackle the issue intensified.

Detective Superintendent Pete Fulton, who leads on tackling Violent Crime for the Force said: “We are determined to steer our young people away from a culture of violence and to break the cycle. Whilst knife crime remains low in Surrey, it is essential we keep on top of this issue and that’s what makes our participation in this campaign so important.

“Based on feedback we received from the public, revamped knife amnesty bins are now in place on a permanent basis at Staines, Guildford, Woking and Reigate police stations. This will enable knife carriers to safely dispose of knives and other weapons not just during our weeks of action but at any time, without fear of prosecution or questions being asked.

“We are actively working to secure more locations for our knife banks across the county, with four additional knife banks on the way.

“Our work to tackle knife crime doesn’t stop there though. Every day we carry out prevention, enforcement and education work, with the support of other organisations, to tackle crime and safeguard vulnerable people.”

If you know someone who is carrying a knife, call 101 or report online at surrey.police.uk/ro/report/.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are in danger or need immediate help, always dial 999.