ALMOST 200 knives were surrendered to Avon and Somerset Police during a week of action to tackle knife crime this month.

A total of 198 knives were left in bins kept in the front officers of police buildings across the force area for 10 days in a bid to reduce the number of knives on the streets – an increase on the 59 knives submitted in a similar drive in October.

Force lead for knife crime Chief Inspector Zoe Chegwyn said: “We’re really encouraged with the number of knives which have been surrendered to our bins.

“Every knife surrendered is one less knife out on the street, where they can and do cause serious harm. It’s not just the number of knives surrendered which is encouraging, but the type.

“There were some nasty looking machetes and zombie knives left in the bins which are usually only carried by people wanting to hurt others.”

The bins were kept in eight stations across the region, from April 28 to May 8, including one in Patchway, with two more still in place at Bristol Magistrates Court and Bristol Crown Court.

CI Chegyn continued: “The surrender bins were just one of a number of actions we took that week to try and reduce the dreadful impact knives can have on individuals, families and communities.

“Our police cadets took part in a test purchasing operation to ensure that retailers are not breaking the law in selling knives to under 18s, and we carried out targeted patrols in hot-spot areas where we know there is a higher concentration of people carrying knives.”

The chief inspector added that work would continue with young people to educate them on the dangers of carrying knives.

She said that anyone concerned that they may know of someone who carries a knife can give information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via their website, or by calling 0800 555 111.