Derbyshire Police Crackdown on Knife Crime

Nearly 500 knives and other weapons have been handed into the police during a one- month amnesty in November. Swords, machetes and home made knives are just some of the items that were handed in at police stations across Derby.

Police have also arrested five people in other incidents across the city after they were found carrying knives. This includes teenagers, such as a 16 year old boy who was caught carrying a bag of suspected cannabis and a knife in Littleover.

Superintendent Gary parkin, head of operations for derby division, said:

 ''Every knife handed in is one less that can potentially be used in the city.'' Supt parkin said that several of the weapons handed in were homemade, improvised knives.

He added: ''Weapons such as these can only have been made for one thing - for use in crime. There is no other reason for creating make-shift knives like the ones we have had handed in this month.''

The amnesty was organised by operation Redshank, a specialist team set up to tackle crime in the city and was supported by Derby County Football Club.

Detective Inspector Mark knibbs, Head of Operation Redshank, said: ''It's pleasing and reassuring that members of the community felt confident enough to come forward and hand in weapons, knives and razor blades.

Derbyshire police are now warning criminals that they have had the chance to hand in any weapons or knives, with no questions asked and will face prosecution if caught carrying a knife.