KNIVES and bladed articles can be handed into bins this month as part of a campaign to reduce crime and keep weapons off the streets.

Thames Valley Police is joining other forces across the country by taking part in Operation Sceptre, a national week of action designed to challenge and reduce the threat of knife crime across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

The knife amnesty campaign will run between Monday 16 and Sunday September 22, where members of the public will be able to anonymously dispose of any type of knife or bladed article safely.

The aims of the operation are to remove dangerous weapons from the streets, reduce knife crime and raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

Thames Valley Police has made the decision, following guidance from the NPCC on knife imagery, to stop publicising images of seized knives to help reduce the fear of knives and knife carrying in our local communities.

Knife disposal bins have been placed at the following 10 police stations.

BERKSHIRE:

  • Bracknell
  • Loddon Valley
  • Maidenhead
  • Newbury
  • Reading
  • Slough

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE:

  • Amersham
  • Aylesbury
  • High Wycombe
  • Milton Keynes

A police spokesman said: "If you have any information about the possession of knives or criminal activity relating to this type of crime, please report online via our website or call 101.

"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111."