A knife amnesty bin will be outside Co-Op in Soham High Street today between 1pm and 2pm.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary have placed it there to allow people to hand in knives and other items without being prosecuted.

As well as knives, the amnesty will cover items such as knuckledusters, extendable batons, curved swords and zombie knives that are illegal to own."

Where knives are concerned, it is illegal to:  

  • Sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18 years old. 

  • Carry a knife in public without good reason - unless it’s a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, eg a Swiss Army knife 

  • Carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife 

  • Use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife) 

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5,000. 

The weapons amnesty forms part of the national ‘Operation Sceptre’ week of action.

Ely Standard: The knife amnesty bin was in Soham earlier this week. The knife amnesty bin was in Soham earlier this week. (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

It will also include extra police patrols in ‘hotspot’ areas, targeting those believed to be carrying knives, work in schools and with retailers selling knives.

The week will be supported by officers, Specials and police cadets.

In 2023-24 possession of knife offences decreased in Cambridgeshire by five per cent.

Visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website for more information on the Offensive Weapons Act and to access a list of the banned items.