Members of the public are being encouraged to give up their unwanted knives during a week-long amnesty.

The campaign will give people the opportunity to dispose of their weapons with no questions asked.

It starts on Monday, September 16, and runs until Sunday, September 22.

Drop-off bins will be available at stations across South Devon.

Police said it is an opportunity for people to get rid of the blades they possess “completely anonymously”.

The amnesty is part of a national campaign to tackle knife crime called Operation Sceptre.

Knives of any description can be disposed of including swords, kitchen knives, illegal lock knives, unwanted collectables, replicas and ceremonial items.

Supt Matthew Longman said: “Here in Devon and Cornwall we do not have the extent of knife crime reported in some major metropolitan areas of the country.

“However, we are not complacent, noting a small rise in knife-related incidents in localised areas and so alongside proactive policing Devon and Cornwall Police is supporting this national knife amnesty as part of its ongoing local approach to focussing upon prevention.

“Any knife taken out of circulation and off the street helps to prevent injuries and deaths.”

A force spokesperson said: “Police stations across Devon and Cornwall will support the national knife amnesty known as Operation Sceptre, as will police forces around the country.

“Anyone, of any age, can deposit a knife at participating police stations anonymously and without fear of prosecution.”

Kingsbridge Police said: “Carrying a knife can get you four years in prison, a criminal record and could ruin prospects for jobs and further education.

“Knife crime has been a major issue in recent times so as well as local operations to reduce knife crime, Devon and Cornwall Police are holding a week-long knife amnesty.

“In this time we are encouraging people to come to your nearest police enquiry office to get rid of your knives.

“Kingsbridge Police station will have a bin in which knives can be disposed of safely and without prosecution.”

Opening times for stations with special bins can be found on the website: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/police-enquiry-offices.