Knife-amnesty post sparks debate after charity shop surrenders cutlery
A charity shop in Buckley handed over a selection of kitchen knives to officers as part of North Wales Police’s ongoing Op Sceptre activity.
Neighbourhood Policing Team officers were visiting supermarkets and smaller retailers this week to remind staff about legislation governing the sale of knives.
During one of those visits a charity shop provided several donated kitchen knives, which have since been placed in the force’s amnesty bin at Mold Police Station for safe disposal.
Police say the amnesty bin will be taken into communities over the weekend to give people unable to travel to Mold an opportunity to hand in unwanted knives locally.
The photo shared by the force, showing a collection of kitchen and a cheese knive, prompted a discussion on social media.
Many questioned why ordinary cutlery had been collected, while others asked how unwanted knives should be disposed of safely.
In response, North Wales Police issued a clarification.
Sergeant Nash from South Flintshire Police said that although many of the items pictured were household knives, they are still capable of causing serious harm if misused.
He said a bladed article is defined in law as “any article with a blade or sharp point, including folding pocket-knives with a cutting edge exceeding three inches”, adding that case law confirms this can include items such as a lock knife or a handle-less butter knife.
He said the amnesty provides a safe option for disposing of unwanted knives rather than placing them in household waste where they may pose a risk.
Police stressed that they are not telling people they cannot possess kitchen knives, but encouraging safe disposal of those which are no longer needed.
Officers thanked members of the public and shop staff who have taken part so far.
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