More than 300 hundred weapons were handed into Cambridgeshire Police during an amnesty operation - a record figure for the force.

Large knives and swords were some of the 370 items that were handed in during the amnesty, which was part of a national operation.

Usually in Cambridgeshire, amnesties result in around 100 weapons being handed in, however the total from last week is thought to be record-breaking.

Amnesty bins were installed in Cambridge, Peterborough and South Cambridgeshire, with an additional collection in Ely recovering 25 weapons.

Cambridgeshire Police officers also carried out 25 school visits, 15 test purchases with retailers who all passed, weapon sweeps and the arrest of high risk offenders, which resulted in weapons being seized.

Over the last year, possession of weapon offences in Cambridgeshire has decreased by seven per cent.

The national Sceptre initiative is also part of Operation Guardian – the Constabulary’s ongoing strategy to combat knife crime in the county.

Where knives are concerned, it is illegal to:

  • Sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18 years old
  • Carry a knife in public without good reason - unless it’s a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, e.g a Swiss Army knife
  • Carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife
  • Use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife)
  • The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5,000

Inspector Karl Secker said: "This is a fantastic result and clear evidence there is an ongoing need to provide people with an opportunity to surrender weapons.

"Thank you to everyone who handed items in and to the officers who supported the week of action.

"Amnesties are not the sole answer to tackling knife crime, but they are an important ongoing tactic.

"Working with young people is also vital, so I’m pleased we managed to visit a number of schools across the county during the week.

"We will continue to do all we can to tackle knife crime as we aim to make the county even safer."

Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston said: "If we manage to take just one knife off the streets, we could potentially save a life.

"The results of last week’s knife amnesty are encouraging however it is essential we continue to work together to prevent this abhorrent crime from happening in the first place.

"As Chair of the countywide High Harms Board, I continue to lead the partnership response to serious violence, which has a devastating impact on the lives of victims, their families, and the wider community."