Knife amnesty: Cumbria Police launch weapon surrender scheme

Cumbria Police are urging the public to hand in knives and other potentially dangerous weapons as part of the national Operation Sceptre campaign, which runs until November 23. The initiative allows people to anonymously surrender items that could cause harm.
Chief Inspector Sam Turner said the campaign gives residents a chance to safely dispose of dangerous blades before they are used in violence. He added that preventing knife-related incidents requires cooperation from the public and local businesses, as police alone cannot address the issue.
In Cumbria, the amnesty also covers other bladed or harmful items such as axes, hatchets and crossbows. Ch Insp Turner noted that although crossbow incidents are rare, they do happen, even within the county. He encouraged anyone who owns such a weapon but wishes to dispose of it legally and safely to take advantage of the initiative.
He added that some people may have purchased a crossbow years ago and now want to get rid of it for their own safety or the safety of others.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, also supported the campaign. He stressed that carrying a weapon increases the likelihood of it being used and said Operation Sceptre provides a safe way for people to hand over knives or crossbows without facing consequences.
Allen highlighted the wider impact of knife crime, saying it can devastate families, communities, and even emergency services. He urged anyone in possession of such weapons to surrender them as part of a collective effort to keep local areas safe.
People handing in weapons are advised to place them inside a secure box or strong bag. A police spokesperson reminded the public never to carry an uncovered knife in public.
Drop-off points include police stations in Carlisle, Barrow, Kendal, Whitehaven and Workington. Residents are advised to check station opening hours through the Cumbria Police website.





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