Police launch knife amnesty

Young people are being urged to hand in any offensive weapons.

The amnesty will run until March 15.

Inspector Viv Johnson said: 'We are fortunate knife crime is almost non-existent in our area and I'm keen to make sure it stays that way.

'I do know, however, that some young people can be fooled into carrying knives to impress their mates or because they think it will protect them.

'Carrying a knife will do nothing to protect you and it can be used against you, as well as being against the law.

'I want to encourage people to have a clear out and check they don't have any dangerous items in their possession.

'They should turn these in to the Lewes Police Station so they can be sure they will never be used to harm anyone, including themselves.

'There will be no consequences for people handing in knives, although after the amnesty anyone found carrying a weapon can expect to be dealt with severely.'

Police said it was no excuse to say a weapon was being carried for self defence and if found guilty a person could face imprisonment, a fine of up to 1,000, or both.

The only exception is for a folding pocket knife with a blade less than three inches long, although if it is shown that this was being used for criminal damage or to injure someone the police will still take action.

Any locking knife or knife with a blade more than three inches long is illegal to carry in public as well as any other article that has a blade or is sharply pointed, such as a Stanley knife.

Anyone carrying a knife or sharp object will have to prove that they have a legal reason for carrying it.

The best way to dispose of a knife during the amnesty is to wrap it in cardboard and drop it into the knife amnesty bin in Lewes Police Station.

The station is open from 10am to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 6pm on Saturdays.