A WEEK-long knife amnesty has been launched on the Isle of Wight as part of Hampshire Constabulary's ongoing campaign to curb the carrying of weapons.
Under the Operation Sharp banner, officers across the two counties, working in conjunction with specialist operation support teams, are continuing to focus on reducing and preventing knife crime through pro-active search operations and high visibility patrolling.
The Isle of Wight amnesty follows a major initiative launched in May 2006, which saw a total of 4,636 knives and other weapons handed in at police stations across the two counties.
On the Island, a total of 225 weapons were surrendered.
The amnesty comes as the Daily Echo continues its campaign, called Carrying A Blade - It's Not Sharp, to rid the streets of knives.
The initiative was launched after the deaths of teenagers Dele Little and Lewis Singleton who both died from stab wounds.
During the initiative officers will also be supporting door staff at licensed premises with metal detectors in a bid to detect and deter anyone from carrying knives into pubs and clubs.
Amnesty collection boxes will be available throughout the week at police stations in Ryde, Newport and Shanklin.
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