Knife surrender bins have been installed at Bournemouth and Poole police stations as part of a week-long focus on the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife.
Dorset Police is once again taking part in a national campaign, running until Sunday, which includes enhanced enforcement, engagement and education.
It’s led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Anyone carrying a knife is encouraged to surrender them without questions or repercussions from police.
The campaign falls within the Safer BCP eight weeks of action against knife crime campaign, taking place in memory of Cameron Hamilton and Tom Roberts who lost their lives after being victims of knife crime.
Various activities are taking place across the county until June 15 and are being supported by Dorset Police.
Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey, Local Policing Commander for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, pictured, said: “Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country to live, however tackling knife crime is a key priority for us.
“Education opportunities in local schools, using the knife arch as an engagement tool, test purchases with retailers and the provision of knife surrender bins are just some of the ways we are building awareness among our communities to prevent and reduce knife crime.
“Although there are weeks of action like this one, I want to reassure the public that we remain active throughout the year in preventing knife crime and remaining vigilant around knife carrying.
“We encourage anyone carrying a knife to surrender it to their local police station to help us keep our communities safe.
“Dorset Police will do all we can to remove knives from our streets and pursue those who chose to carry them and commit offences.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, said: “It is the responsibility of all of us to help tackle knife crime.
“That could mean making a different choice and not carrying a knife, talking to children and young people about the dangers of knives, reporting concerns to the police or the relevant authority, or simply seeking informed advice; it is only by working together can we tackle this devastating offence.
“Dorset has one of the lowest rates of knife crime, but while young people continue to pick up a knife for any reason, we all still have work to do.”