Powys residents will be able to surrender illegal knives anonymously next week using knife amnesty bins at police stations across Powys.

From Monday (March 11) until Sunday, people with illegal blades will be able to surrender them at Dyfed-Powys Police stations with no questions asked and no paperwork as part of Operation Scepter.

The force is looking to crack down on the illegal possession of knives as part of the national week of action against knife crime which also starts on Monday.

It is the second knife campaign the force has taken part in over the last six months – 169 knives were handed in as part of the amnesty in September and there were many engagement events held throughout the police area with officers visiting shops which sell knives.

Superintendent for specialist operations Craig Templeton said: “Carrying a knife is a crime which brings that added risk that a minor issue can escalate into something much more serious and potentially life changing.

“The damage caused by knives, not just to the victim and their families, but also to the wider community, can be devastating. We will be doing all we can to spread the message that carrying a knife is not okay.

“We are keen to reach out to members of the public who may have information about people who carry knives, and I would encourage anyone with information to have the confidence to come forward and report it by calling 101.”

During the week, officers will also be using their powers to stop and search people they suspect are carrying knives. There will be educational visits to schools, colleges and youth clubs to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.

Dyfed-Powys Police is also asking shops and businesses to put in robust controls on the sales of blades such kitchen knives as part of the operation.

Supt Templeton said: “While Dyfed-Powys has not experienced the high volume of knife-related incidents seen in other forces, we will be supporting our police colleagues nationally by taking part in Operation Scepter.

“We will work with residents, partner agencies, the business community and schools to reduce the number of knives on our streets.”

For more information about Operation Scepter and the laws around carrying knives, visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

Knives can be surrendered at the police stations in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, and Newtown from 9am until 5pm next week – the full list is available on the police website.