North Yorkshire Police launch campaign against knife crime in the area

To make it as easy as possible, ‘Knife Amnesty’ containers will be placed in the police stations at York, Scarborough, Malton, Northallerton, Harrogate and Skipton Police Stations.

It is part of a week-long campaign of police activity – in North Yorkshire and York and across the country.

The public can wrap an unwanted knife in thick paper or cardboard for safety reasons and bring it directly to one of the sites. You don’t have to give your name or any other information – just throw it in the designated rubbish bin.

The amnesty boxes will be in place from today (May 15) to Sunday (May 21).

A permanent knife bin is also available in Harrogate between Asda car park and Dragon Road car park near the recycling bins.

Officials said the goal of the bins is not just to reduce knife crime, but also to provide peace of mind for people who just want to safely dispose of unwanted knives and sharp items — like old kitchen knives or unused work tools.

When you retire a knife, you prevent it from falling into the wrong hands and help keep communities safe.

In addition to the amnesty containers, police will be speaking to young people throughout the week to educate them about the dangers of knife crime. They will also conduct high-visibility patrols, stops and searches, and other search activities in areas associated with possible knife crimes.

Inspector Andrea Kell of the North Yorkshire Police said: “All it takes is a knife in the wrong hands to cause serious injury or even death.” Knives destroy lives, it’s that simple.

“Each knife placed in an amnesty box is one less knife that could be used as a deadly weapon on the street. So I urge everyone to take the opportunity this week to dispose of them.

“Our officers and staff are using all available tactics to reduce the number of knife incidents, but we cannot do it alone. By working with our partners and the public, we are more effective, responsive and can take action to prevent people from carrying and using knives.

“As well as disposing of knives safely, we also need the support of our communities in providing information about those who carry them.

“Please do the right thing – maybe save a life. Contact us on 101, through our website or anonymously through Fearless.org or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“While campaigns like this are important to raise awareness of the dangers of knives, please rest assured that North Yorkshire and York are very safe places.”