MACHETES, hunting knives and meat cleavers were amongst 106 knives and sharp objects handed in to Cleveland Police during a knife amnesty.

Operation Sceptre, a national initiative was launched by the Metropolitan Police in 2015, and took place for one week from Monday, October 17 in across the force area.

Chief inspector Emily Harrison said: “We are extremely pleased with the results of the knife amnesty as it means that there are far fewer potentially dangerous objects on the streets of Cleveland now that these items have been handed in.”

Amongst the 106 items that were handed in to police stations across Cleveland were swords, machetes, flick knives, lock knives, hunting knives, meat cleavers, butterfly knives, scissors, kitchen knives and a ball bearing gun.

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Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, added: “I am happy that members of the public have participated in this campaign by handing in their knives and sharp objects. Keeping our communities safe is at the heart of what we do and we are a step closer to achieving this when we have the support of people during campaigns like this one.”

Anyone with information about knife crime is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.