Police in Humberside, United Kingdom, reported a successful turnout during a week-long amnesty program aimed at reducing knife crime. Over 700 blades, including “zombie knives” and other dangerous weapons, were voluntarily surrendered to the authorities. Some of the knives were described by officers as “really horrific,” adding to the concern over the prevalence of such weapons in the region.
Humberside Police placed designated knife bins outside various police stations across the Humber region as part of Operation Sceptre, a national initiative to address the issue of knife crime. Superintendent Jenny Bristow emphasized the devastating impact of knife crime on communities, highlighting the importance of removing these weapons from circulation to prevent harm to others.
In addition to the knife amnesty, police conducted dozens of stop and searches, resulting in 32 arrests, with eight individuals being charged for weapon-related offenses. Alongside the amnesty, law enforcement officials also visited more than 400 shops in the region to discuss the sale of knives, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
Residents in the market town of Snaith in East Yorkshire expressed shock at the types of knives that had been voluntarily handed in, underscoring the concern over the widespread availability of such weapons. Some individuals conveyed unease at the thought of these knives being readily accessible to the public, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to regulate their distribution.
Notably, the confiscated knives have been sent for destruction, and the police have extended an open invitation for individuals to surrender weapons at any time. The successful turnout of the amnesty program and the proactive measures taken by law enforcement reflect a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of knife crime in the region.