WHAT IS THE LAW?

POLICE have launched a week-long knife amnesty in the on-going battle to take lethal weapons off the streets.

This week (from Monday, October 23) anyone who hands in a blade in at a police station will not be punished.

Special disposal bins will be placed in stations in Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead.

Officers said they hope the campaign will educate people about the dangers of knives.

Inspector Julie Sheard said: “Our focus will be on targeting those who habitually carry and use knives, tackling the supply and access to weapons, engagement with the public to increase awareness of the consequences of carrying knives and providing opportunities to surrender weapons.”

She added: “We take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets.

“I would encourage anyone in possession of such articles to take this opportunity to rid themselves of any illegal weapons.”

Anyone handing a knife in is asked to first wrap it in cardboard, making sure the tip is completely covered.

North Wales Police held a knife amnesty in July this year, with 380 items handed in over one week.

If you know of somebody carrying a knife report it to North Wales Police on 101 or in an emergency always dial 999.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It is illegal for any shop to sell a knife of any kind (including cutlery and kitchen knives) to anyone under the age of 18.

It is a crime to carry a knife in public without good reason – for example, if you work as a chef.

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5,000.

It is illegal to carry, buy or sell any type of knife banned by the Government.

Knives with folding blades, like Swiss Army knives, are not illegal as long as the blade is three inches long (7.62 cm) or less.

If any knife is used in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife), it is regarded as an ‘offensive weapon’ by the law.

Any sharp instrument – even a screwdriver – can be viewed by the police as an illegal offensive weapon if you do not have a good reason for carrying it.