Knife amnesty to be launched to continue fight against knife crime

Just one knife off our streets could save a life.

That is the message from officers in Rushmoor as we prepare to launch our knife amnesty next week (Nov 26).

Amnesty bins are being placed at Aldershot police station and Rushmoor Borough Council offices, in Farnborough, as part of our ongoing work tackling knife crime.

It comes three months after the last operation, which saw 15 knives handed in and taken off our streets.

Once again the Rushmoor Policing Team is teaming up with Rushmoor Borough Council with this latest initiative.

The bins will be secured by the entrances of Aldershot police station, in Wellington Avenue, Aldershot and Rushmoor Borough Council, in Farnborough Road, Farnborough, from Monday 26 November to Friday 30 November.

The bins will allow members of the public to dispose of any knives or bladed articles without fear of any repercussions.

Sgt Phil Mayne said: “We were really pleased with the amount of knives we had handed in back in August.

“Just one knife off our streets can save lives, so to reach double figures in five days really has helped to make our communities safer for all.

“Now, we want to build on that success and feel another amnesty will give others a chance to make the most of the opportunity to hand in their knives without fear of prosecution.”

He added: “Knife crime is still a priority for us in Aldershot and Farnborough and we are looking at various different ways to tackle the issue, which can often be drug-related.

“We know some carry knives as a means of protection but sadly in reality it puts them at a greater risk of being seriously injured or killed.

“We hope that by working with the council we are offering residents locations where they will feel safe to hand in any knives or bladed articles.”

Councillor Ken Muschamp, Rushmoor Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, added: “Knives can be deadly – it is illegal to carry one, and individuals carrying a knife are much more likely to be hurt themselves than those who don’t, as events can quickly get out-of-hand.

“We are working closely with Hampshire Constabulary to support this knife amnesty, and I hope anyone carrying a knife in Rushmoor will take this opportunity to hand it in safely to make the streets safer for everyone.”

• 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