A KNIFE amnesty is being launched across Gwent this week to help prevent knives being used on our streets and getting into the wrong hands.

The month-long amnesty will run until Saturday 14th January and during this time, people can deposit knives at secure bins throughout the area.

All surrendered knives will go to the ‘Save a Life Surrender Your Knife’ project; a scheme run by the British Ironworks Centre to raise awareness of knife crime. The centre is creating an angel sculpture from knives surrendered across the UK which is due to be unveiled in Trafalgar Square in London.

Chief Inspector Joanne Bull said: “Thankfully, crimes involved knives are rare in Gwent however we’re happy to support this National amnesty as every knife handed in is one less that can potentially be used on the streets of Gwent.

“People might think that having a knife is some kind of status symbol, or that they need one for protection, but they don’t realise that in 65 per cent of cases, people who carry knives have those weapons used against them.

“Just carrying a knife can result in a prison sentence of up to four years. If you know a friend or family member carries a knife, urge them to surrender it as part of the amnesty.”

Chairman of the British Ironwork Centre, Clive Knowles, said: “Without the enthusiasm that Gwent Police have provided, this national effort would have failed long ago. It’s this willingness and enthusiasm to reduce violence that will hopefully culminate the National Monument in being completed and installed on to the 4th plinth in Trafalgar square. They deserve the nations admiration and sincerest gratitude.”

Knife bins can be found at most police stations, including Monmouth, Chepstow and Abergavenny. 

Knifes dropped in the amnesty bins should have their blades wrapped before being deposited, using cardboard, bubble wrap or something similar.