Police in Humberside, United Kingdom, have reported that over 700 knives, including “zombie knives,” were turned in during a recent week-long amnesty. The assortment of surrendered blades varied from everyday kitchen knives to particularly menacing weapons, according to authorities. The initiative was part of Operation Sceptre, a national effort to combat knife-related crimes.
Supt Jenny Bristow expressed surprise at the number of weapons relinquished and highlighted the devastating impact of knife crime on communities. This sentiment was echoed by a resident of Snaith in East Yorkshire, who was shocked by the types of knives collected during the amnesty. Some of the other weapons surrendered included knuckle-dusters and baseball bats.
In addition to collecting weapons, police also conducted numerous stop and searches, resulting in 32 arrests, with eight individuals facing weapon-related charges. More than 400 shops were also visited to discuss the sale of knives, while several schools were engaged to raise awareness about weapon-related crimes.
Following the amnesty, the confiscated knives were promptly sent for destruction, and authorities emphasized that individuals could continue to bring in weapons for disposal at any time. This effort demonstrates the commitment of Humberside Police to addressing the issue of knife crime and ensuring the safety of their communities.