MR ROWLAND is supporting North Wales Police who are joining forces up and down the country to support ‘Operation Sceptre’ running from May 13 – 19.
He said: “I am delighted to give my full backing to this national week of action to tackle the growing problem of knife crime.
“’Operation Sceptre’ is a great way to highlight the problem and encourage people to stop carrying knives and take part in the week long amnesty.
“It is fantastic to see all 43 police forces throughout the UK and the British Transport Police joining together on this and helping to make everywhere a safer place for us all.
“I would urge anyone in North Wales with unwanted knives to dispose of them in amnesty bins at local police stations and recycling centres.”
‘Operation Sceptre’, coordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council, is a week-long national action campaign aimed at tackling knife crime, a large contributor to violent crime in the UK.
As part of the week-long operation in Wrexham and Flintshire, people are being encouraged to leave unwanted knives in amnesty bins at Wrexham, Mold and Deeside police stations and at recycling centres in Bryn Lane Household Recycling Centre, Wrexham; Lodge House Recycling Centre, Brymbo; Plas Madog Household Recycling Centre, Wrexham and Greenfield Recycling Centre.
Inspector Geraint Richards of North Wales Police said: “We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is unacceptable and that no good can come from carrying one.
“Every incident involving a knife has consequences for all those involved, and so this is an issue we take extremely seriously.
“We take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rid yourselves of any unwanted or illegal weapons by taking them to our knife amnesty bins which are located at our police station front counters. Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of North Wales.”
Changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 means that it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private.
Other sections of the act include an updated definition of flick knives to reflect changes in weapon designs, and the banning of private possession of flick knives and gravity knives.
If you have concerns about someone you know or care about, who is carrying or hiding a knife call the Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the Fearless campaign website. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
