HUNDREDS of weapons were handed into police in Warrington during a week-long knife amnesty.

Around 200 knives – including machetes, meat cleavers and a sword – were surrendered during a series of events at community locations across the town, including supermarkets and shops.

Cheshire Police’s campaign formed a part of Operation Sceptre, a national bid to cut knife crime.

Chief inspector Sarah Heath, the force’s knife crime lead, said: “Nationally, knife crime is a growing problem, and the week-long Operation Sceptre campaign is an initiative that the force is always more than happy to support.

“We take knife crime extremely seriously and are proud of the fact that Cheshire has a lower rate of knife crime than most other counties in England.

“When people carry knives, it is only a matter of time before someone suffers life-changing injuries or is killed, and if you carry a knife then you are much more likely to be involved in a knife crime.

“As all the statistics show, carrying a knife doesn’t make you safer.

“At Cheshire Police, we have a structured prepare, protect, pursue and prevent approach to tackling knife crime that involves various partner agencies – including local authorities, education providers, health authorities, third sector organisations, youth representatives and community groups.

“We work together to achieve long-term change by educating young people about the dangers and futility of carrying weapons – we make sure they know that carrying a knife, even if they have no intention of using it, is a crime and can increase the likelihood of suffering an injury and having a criminal record.

“Our goal is to achieve weapons-free streets throughout the county and we endeavour – through education, awareness and action – to make Cheshire an area where no-one carries a knife, or feels that there is a reason to do so.

“However, the police cannot achieve this goal on our own.

“Knife crime is a societal problem that cannot be solved without the support of the whole society.”