The police have launched a crackdown on knife crime, with knife surrender bins being placed at various stations in the Northumbria area.

During the week-long crackdown, officers aim to seize dangerous weapons and locate wanted offenders, while also focusing on educating young people about the dangers of carrying knives.

Operation Sceptre, which begins today, November 11, will run until November 17.

The bins will be placed for the public to safely hand over knives.

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, the force’s knife crime lead, said: “As a Force we are absolutely committed to tackling knife-crime and the devastating impact it has on our communities.

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, the force’s knife crime lead (Image: Northumbria Police Copyright) "Prevention is one of our key priorities, and central to this is educating younger people on the dangers of becoming involved in this type of criminality – and changing attitudes towards carrying weapons.

“The activity this week, very much builds on the work we carryout throughout the year with our partners to combat knife crime."

She also urged people to speak to anyone they suspect is involved in knife crime about the dangers and serious consequences, and encouraged the public to share any information about individuals carrying weapons.

Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and crime commissioner, said: "Carrying a knife makes you likely to use it – and that has consequences.

"Too often we have seen lives lost, futures destroyed, and families left heartbroken."

She reassured the public that tackling knife crime is a top priority for Northumbria Police, and said her Violence Reduction Unit would continue to work with young people to educate and raise awareness on the lifestyle, aiming to divert those at risk away from it.

The surrender bins will be in place at the following Northumbria Police stations during Operation Sceptre week: Alnwick, Bedlington, Berwick and Hexham in Northumberland; Middle Engine Lane in Wallsend; Etal Lane and Forth Banks in Newcastle; Gateshead; Millbank in South Shields; and Southwick in Sunderland.

People can report knife crime incidents by sending Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, using the live chat function on the force website, or going to the "report" pages on the website.

If these methods are not possible, call 101.

In an emergency, or if a crime is happening, always call 999.