As part of a nation-wide campaign, Wiltshire police have launched a Knife Amnesty in bid to combat the problem of people carrying dangerous weapons.

Police say the campaign is based on evidence gathered from research into young offenders and is targeting young adults aged 14 to mid 20s, particular those who carry weapons for protection.

It is also designed to have an impact on immediate friends and relatives of those who possess and/or carry knives.

Posters will be displayed at police stations and other prominent locations including secondary schools across the area.

People living in the Tidworth Community Area can dispose of bladed instruments at key locations without fear of reprisal with special red disposal units situated in a number of larger police stations, including Amesbury, Salisbury, Devizes Borough, Marlborough, Melksham, Chippenham, Trowbridge, Warminster and Wootton Bassett.

Individuals can also surrender a knife at police stations that don’t have amnesty bins. Items deposited will not be forensically tested and will be destroyed in accordance with force procedures.

Inspector Nick Bancroft from the Force Community Safety Department, said: “Taking knives off our streets will cut crime and save lives. These weapons not only cause harm to the victims but to their families, friends and local communities. We hope this amnesty will be a catalyst in changing the culture of routine knife possession that will minimise the opportunity for the serious harm that can follow from the violent use of a knife.”

Click here to listen to Inspector Bancroft chat to Castledown Radio's Baz Reilly.