POLICE are calling on residents to surrender knives, firearms and ammunition as part of a national amnesty.

Surrender bins are in operation this week at Coleford and Monmouth police stations as part of Operation Sceptre, which runs until Sunday, September 22.

People can also surrender items which have the potential to be converted into working firearms, such as antique guns, blank firing replicas and imitation firearms.

Chief inspector Carl Bourne of Gloucestershire Police said: “Violent crime has increased in Gloucestershire in recent years, but this is in line with an increase that has been seen across the country.

“Knife crime is lower than many other areas, but we understand that there have been some tragic cases in the county and that people have concerns about it.

“This campaign is part of wider work we are doing with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and partners to ensure we tackle the issue and work to make our streets safer.

“Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked/forgotten in people’s homes.

“Our campaign isn’t just targeted at people involved in criminal behaviour, but also collectors, licence holders or those who may have come across a firearm or ammunition whilst clearing out a friend or relative’s home.

“The surrender will prevent weapons from getting into the wrong hands whilst providing members of the community with a safe place to dispose of any knives or firearms they may have, whether held lawfully or unlawfully.”

It is illegal to carry any sharp or bladed instrument in a public place without good reason, such as for work use, except a folding pocket knife that has a blade less than three inches (7.62cm).

It is also illegal to have anything with you in a public place that is made, adapted or intended for causing injury to others, while illegal possession of a firearm can result in five years in prison.

To safely dispose of a knife, members of the public should use a few sheets of newspaper or cardboard to wrap a knife ensuring there is enough material to prevent it piercing through.

It should also be sealed with sticky tape to stop the knife being easily removed or falling out.