THE RISKS of carrying knives have been spelled out by police to encourage people to surrender their blades as their knife amnesty comes to an end.
Arrest, prosecution and a criminal record are among the better-known pitfalls of being caught carrying a bladed weapon.
But officers reminded the public they could ruin their university, job or travel plans if they choose to wield a knife.
Chief Inspector Mark Colquhoun said: “If people choose to carry a knife the risk of hurting or killing someone is well known. What is less well know are the risks to the individual carrying the knife.
“If you are caught carrying a knife you risk arrest, prosecution, a criminal record, up to four years in jail, ruined job prospects, not being able to go to university, not being able to travel to America; the list goes on.
“Ultimately, it’s your choice whether to carry a knife or not and the biggest risk you face is that you use it and do something you regret for the rest of your life. Think about the potential consequences for other people and for yourself and your family; make the right choice.”
The warning comes as the force supports the national ‘save a life, surrender your knife’ campaign which aims to reduce knife crime and the damage caused to families and the wider community.
Anyone can anonymously surrender a knife at Rugby Police Station and others in the region until August 19.
People surrendering knives will not be required to leave any information – although police will examine any weapons they suspect may have been involved in a crime.
The campaign is being run in partnership with the British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire. All the blades collected as part of the campaign will be made safe and used to help create a 20-foot high guardian angel sculpture in memory of those who have lost their lives to knife crime.
