Jim Dobbin MP welcomes Government national knife amnesty

Date published: 10/05/2006

Jim Dobbin MP says: "We need to free our streets from the blight of knife crime."

A nationwide knives amnesty will be held between 24 May and 30 June, backed up by a tough police enforcement campaign to drive home the message that carrying knives is not acceptable.

Jim Dobbin endorsed the drive to tackle knife crime and violence in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton and across the UK.

Jim Dobbin  MP said:

“This knife amnesty is about to creating safer streets throughout Heywood, Middleton, Norden, Bamford and Castleton. Previous amnesties like this have already taken deadly weapons off the streets.

“Often those who carry a knife or dangerous weapon mistakenly believe they are protecting themselves and have no intention of becoming a murderer – but coupled with drink or drugs these weapons all too often lead to bloodshed.

"Please do the right thing for your community, stop carrying knives and hand any you have over to the police.  Remember this is a chance for you to come clean - but it is only for a limited time.”

The amnesty will target those who carry knives and offensive weapons. A public campaign supporting the amnesty will urge people to hand in their knives during the five week period, when they will be immune from prosecution for possessing them.