HUNDREDS of knives and sharp objects have been surrendered across Teesside during a week-long campaign.

The knife surrender began on Monday, March 11, and surrender bins were placed at the main police stations in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar.

Throughout the campaign, officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) visited local schools to raise awareness of the dangers of knives and sharp objects with the aim of educating young people and deterring them from engaging in knife crime and violence.

In the twelve month period up to December 2018, there were 415 knife crime incidents in Cleveland, a reduction of ten per cent on the previous year.

Inspector Jon Hagen said: “We’re pleased that the knife surrender has resulted in 385 knives and sharp objects being handed in. Essentially, this stops these items potentially getting into the wrong hands and being used as weapons. The simple fact is that in the wrong hands, knives can be deadly.

“We will continue our work alongside partner agencies in Cleveland to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives and to prevent and reduce the risk of knife crime and serious violence. We will also continue the work within schools."