At total of 210 knives and weapons are off the streets of Anglesey as the knife amnesty comes to an end.
North Wales Police have received a substantial amount of bladed weapons – ranging from machetes and meat cleavers to domestic knives.
Launched on 5th February, the two-month knife amnesty ended on Monday, 5th April and a total of 210 knives were handed in at special red bins located at police stations across Anglesey.
District Inspector Nigel Harrison said: “Although knife-crime is very low on Anglesey, we know there are public concerns, and this campaign was primarily about addressing those concerns.
“Following the tragic death of Leon Jones last year, we were anxious to highlight the dangers of weapons, and wanted people to hand in any item they had in their possession, or in their homes, which could cause harm.
“The support we have had from the public has been excellent and I would like to thank all of those who have taken advantage of the knife amnesty and I’m extremely pleased that people have responded to our message. Every knife that we remove from the streets of Anglesey is one less weapon that could potentially be used in crime.”
Prior to the launch a memorial walk had been arranged in memory of Leon Jones who tragically died as a result of being stabbed in Holyhead during the early hours of Sunday, 29th of November. Chairman of the Leon Jones Fund, David Hughes, is also extremely pleased with the results of the amnesty.
He said: “I am proud to have been involved for the sake of Leon’s family. We appreciate, unfortunately, that we will never fully stop knife crime, but just one male or female that heeds the message and “dumps the knife”, then that may be one whole family that does not suffer as poor Leon’s family have.”
Although the amnesty has officially ended, North Wales Police will continue to take robust action to rid the streets of any type of weapon which could potentially be used in crime.
Inspector Harrison added: “Our message remains strong – the irresponsible and criminal use of knives will not be tolerated. If anyone has any information about individuals who carry knives or other bladed articles, contact North Wales Police, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – [email protected]
