Throwing knives, ornate daggers and even a samurai sword were handed in to police as part of a week-long knife amnesty.

Hertfordshire Constabulary took part in the national amnesty between July 17 and 23, receiving a “good haul” of unwanted knives and other potential weapons. 

The amnesty was part of national campaign Operation Sceptre, run by police forces across the country to reduce the number of illegal knives in circulation.

Watford Observer:

During the amnesty, nearly 100 knives were deposited in the bins at police stations in Hatfield (40), Watford (35) and Stevenage (12). Thirteen knives were also surrendered at an event in Waltham Cross on July 21.

Knife arches were used to detect concealed knives, while several stop and search patrols were conducted in Watford, East Herts and Broxbourne, resulting in five arrests.

  • A 29 year old man from Watford was arrested  on suspicion of intent to supply Class A drugs at The Parade in Watford on Friday July 21
  • A 23 year old man from Watford was arrested  on suspicion of intent to supply Class B drugs at Albert Road South, Watford on Friday July 21
  • A 17 year old boy from Neasden was arrested in Watford town centre on Friday July 21 in connection with theft of motor vehicle and robbery offences
  • A30 year old man from was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs (Heroin) on Thursday July 20 in New Street, Watford
  • A 17 year old boy from Watford was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in Cassiobury Park, Watford on Monday July 17.

Test purchasing operations with cadets were also carried out to ensure retailers were adhering to laws regarding knife sales to those under 18.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd said: “The amnesty has been a great success and I’m delighted that Hertfordshire has taken part in the campaign to rid the UK’s streets of knives.

“Across the country, knife related crime has been on the increase and, although it is still low in Hertfordshire, I think that we all need to play a part in tackling this worrying trend.” 

Detective Superintendent for the Local Policing Command, Kay Lancaster, added: “We have had very positive reactions to the amnesty and collected some knives which definitely should not be in circulation.”