A cross bow, an axe and surgical knives were among the items handed into police during the latest knife amnesty.

Dyfed-Powys Police held the week-long amnesty in September as part of the UK-wide campaign Operation Sceptre which aims to increase awareness around the dangers of carrying knives as well as keeping blades out of circulation.

Knife amnesty bings were placed at various police stations in each of Dyfed-Powys Police’s four divisions which allowed people to dispose of blades anonymously and without any questions. 321 blades were handed into the force in total.

It is the second knife campaign the force has taken part in this year. March’s operation saw 661 knives handed in during the amnesty.

Inspector Tim Davies, who led the operation, said: “Dyfed-Powys remains a safe place to live, work and visit, and thankfully we don’t face the level of knife crime other areas see.

 “We take part in Operation Sceptre to support our police colleagues nationally, making knives and blades as hard as possible for criminals to access.

“The effects of knife crime can be devastating, and we are committed to doing all we can to stop it. This year alone, nearly 1,000 knives and blades have been handed in to us – that’s 1,000 that can no longer fall in to the wrong hands.

“Although this week-long operation has come to an end, we are keen to reach out to members of the public who may have information about people who carry knives. I would encourage anyone with information to have the confidence to come forward and report it by calling 101.”

Neighbourhood policing and response teams carried out engagement activities around knife crime awareness during the week in September, including talks with community groups and young people at schools, as well as leaflet drops to charity shops and other retailers.

Dyfed-Powys Police has said it is keen for people to know how to safely dispose of knives, blades and other sharp items once the amnesty has ended.

A force spokeswoman said they have urged those in Powys would consider leaving knives at a charity shop or anyone involved in household clearances, to take them to the metal bin at the nearest Powys County Council recycling centre.

Dyfed-Powys Police’s Radnorshire NPT Twitter account shared a picture of some of the knives surrendered in Rhayader during the amnesty, including an axe.

On September 23, Radnorshire NPT tweeted: “A selection of knives and an axe that was handed into Rhayader police station during the recent Operation Sceptre campaign last week.”

To find your nearest recycling centre in Powys, visit the Powys County Council website by clicking here.

Visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website by clicking here for more information on Operation Sceptre and the laws around carrying knives.