Dozens of knives surrendered to police during amnesty

South Yorkshire Police launched the blade-beating campaign #DropTheKnife on July 20 after figures showed knife crime had increased in the county over the last year.

The campaign included an 11-day knife amnesty across South Yorkshire, with hand-ins at four police stations around the county including Main Street in Rotherham.

In total, 54 weapons were handed in to police including samurai swords, zombie knives, bayonets, swords and kitchen knives.

People who handed in blades during the amnesty were not prosecuted for possession — but all of the weapons will be forensically examined.

A  spokeswoman said: “Police officers can search anyone they believe is carrying a knife and just for possession of a knife you’re looking at up to four-years behind bars.

“Whether you agree with the laws in the UK or not, the fact remains if you carry a knife, there is always the intention you will use it, and by using it, you’re risking losing your life, in more ways than one.”

To report illegal knife activity, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.