Plea to join knives amnesty

A South Norfolk Councillor has called on the public to hand in their knives as the national police knives amnesty enters its final week.

Cllr Adrian Brownsea, who represents Harleston and leads for the Council on safer communities, says he does not want to see the appalling trend for carrying knives which is seen in the big cities reaching rural areas like his.

He said:

"Many of us have been appalled to read of incidents in various parts of the country where knives and other offensive weapons have been used with tragic consequences.

"Whilst the habit of carrying such weapons seems to be largely confined to larger towns and cities, I am sure that there is a risk that such trends will reach rural areas unless action is taken.

"If anyone is tempted to carry a knife in the mistaken belief that it is useful for self defence, I urge them to think again.

"The temptation to use such weapons if problems arise may be irresistible with traumatic consequences, not only for people involved, but for their families and friends. The scars which result, both physical and mental, will last a lifetime. Imprisonment will have a damaging effect on career prospects and personal relationships. Death is a real possibility."

Cllr Brownsea, who was promoted to South Norfolk Council's Cabinet at the annual meeting last month, is concerned that people take advantage of the knives amnesty before it ends on June 30, and take any unwanted or unused knives to secure bins at police stations in the district.

He said:

"The consequences from carrying such weapons are not worth these risks. I urge all to make use of the last few days of the current police amnesty to surrender offensive knives without hesitation or delay.

"There are secure knife bins across Norfolk, and in our district at Norfolk Police HQ in Wymondham, and at Diss police station.

"If your household has knives which have been used for a craft or hobby but are no longer required, please hand them in. Remove possible temptations. Keep knives required for normal use in a safe place."

Related pages

• Latest news