POLICE say they have been encouraged by the response so far to a national knives amnesty. Since the amnesty started at the beginning of June, 151 weapons have been handed in to police stations in the eastern division of Hertfordshire, with Stevenage acco

POLICE say they have been encouraged by the response so far to a national knives amnesty.

Since the amnesty started at the beginning of June, 151 weapons have been handed in to police stations in the eastern division of Hertfordshire, with Stevenage accounting for 51 of items surrendered, including a Japanese samurai sword.

Also among the potential lethal weapons was a bill hook.

The haul from Stevenage is believed to be one of the highest totals for any town in the county so far.

Other towns in Comet country recorded small numbers of weapons with 13 being dumped in Letchworth GC, including a cavalry sword, and 12 in Hitchin. In Baldock the blades bin was empty.

Chief inspector for Stevenage Dean Patient said: "The knife amnesty is an important way of raising the profile of the increasing number of crimes involving knives and weapons not just in Stevenage but across the country.

"I am encouraged by the number of knives handed in so far to Stevenage police station and would urge anyone who has possession of a knife either legally or illegally to hand it in before June 30.

"I would particularly appeal to parents and guardians who may have in their homes weapons either as display items or ornaments to ask themselves, does my family need these items in our home?

"Don't let it become a weapon and ruin your life or somebody else's"

Chief Insp for Hertfordshire Steve Amos said: "Nearly 400 knives have been handed in during the first week across the county. If just one of these knives saves a life or stops someone getting injured then the amnesty has been a success."

Bedfordshire police say their knife bins at police stations will not be opened until the end of the amnesty.

The amnesty runs until June 30 and police are still urging anyone with knives to dump them in special bins at police stations now or face heavy fines or possible imprisonment if caught with them on the streets after the amnesty finishes.

Police are also appealing to parents and friends who know people who carry knives to encourage them to hand them in.