Officers on Anglesey have launched an Island-wide knife amnesty in support of a walk in memory of a Holyhead man who was killed in November 2009.
The two-month amnesty on Anglesey will begin today (Friday, 5th of February) in support of a memorial walk being held for 21-year-old Leon Jones, who tragically died as a result of being stabbed in Holyhead during the early hours of Sunday, 29th of November.
Officers are now urging people to surrender their unwanted knives in a bid to remove them from the streets of Anglesey.
District Inspector Nigel Harrison said: “Although knife-crime is very low on Anglesey, we know there are public concerns, and this campaign is primarily about addressing those concerns.
“After the tragic incident involving Mr Jones, we are anxious to highlight the dangers of weapons, and want people to hand in any item they have in their possession, or in their homes, which could cause harm.
“We fully support the memorial walk being held tonight, and hope that people take this opportunity to do the right thing and dispose of their knives safely.
He added: “We already have red disposal bins at our stations in Holyhead and Llangefni, however people can also take their unwanted knives to our other stations in Menai Bridge, Gaerwen and Valley.”
The amnesty is also supported by the Leon Jones Fund who have organised Friday’s march. Chairman, Mr David Hughes, said: “The Leon Jones Fund and the family wish to thank everybody for their support in attempting to highlight the issue of getting knives off the streets.
“We would also like to emphasise our motto “Dump the Knife – Save a Life” and encourage people to deposit any unwanted blades in an amnesty bin.”
The Ynys Môn Community Safety Partnership are also backing the initiative. They said: “The Partnership’s Key Priority Areas include tackling violent crime and the measures being taken locally to tackle knife crime are strongly supported by us.”
Police are urging anyone who may have information about individuals who carry knives or other bladed articles to call officers on 101, if you are calling from Wales, 0845 607 1001 ( Welsh Language Line ), 0845 607 1002 ( English Language Line ) or Crimestoppers Wales Cymru anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively you can send a text message to 66767 or email – [email protected]
