Nottinghamshire residents urged to surrender knives during county-wide safety campaign
Amnesty bins across the region aim to remove weapons from circulation during 'Sceptre' week of action
People across Nottinghamshire are being encouraged to dispose of unwanted or illegal knives as part of a coordinated police initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.
A series of dedicated knife amnesty bins have been installed at police stations across the county as part of the national Sceptre campaign, which launches today (18 May).
The bins allow members of the public to safely hand in knives, blades, and other offensive weapons without fear of prosecution.
During the most recent operation in November 2025, the initiative saw 103 weapons, including knives, machetes, swords and other blades— to be safely surrendered.
Nottinghamshire Police say they are hoping to build on that result this time around, with senior officers urging continued public participation.
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies, who leads on knife crime for Nottinghamshire Police, highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum from previous campaigns.
She said: “It was pleasing to see so many people make use of our amnesty bin offering during the last Sceptre and we want to continue this momentum.
“Amnesty bins will be located in four of our police stations, where weapons can be handed over safely and without fear of prosecution.
“We also have plans to install amnesty bins in community locations later this year, which will make the process even easier for people.
“Every weapon taken off the streets is a positive development and makes the streets safer.
“If the main reason for people feeling hesitant is because they’re worried about getting into trouble, I can assure them that this will not be the case.
“This initiative is not a trick. We want to take these blades and other offensive weapons off our streets and this amnesty makes that easier and more efficient.
“Knife crime has devastating consequences, so anything we can do to take these weapons out of harm’s way is positive and something we support as a force.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden also backed the campaign, stressing the wider community impact of knife surrender schemes.
He said: “Every knife handed into these amnesty bins is potentially a life saved and a tragedy prevented.
“Knife crime has a devastating impact on victims, families and communities, which is why initiatives like Sceptre are so important.
“This week of action is not just about enforcement, it’s about prevention, education and giving people a safe opportunity to remove weapons from our streets.
“I would encourage anyone who has an unwanted or illegal knife or weapon to do the right thing and hand it in safely. By working together, we can help reduce violence, protect young people and make our communities safer for everyone.”
Throughout the week, amnesty bins will be available at several locations, including:
- Newark Police Station, Queen's Road, NG24 1LJ
- Mansfield Police Station, Great Central Road, NG18 2HQ
- Oxclose Lane Police Station, Bestwood, NG5 6FZ
- Radford Road Police Station, Hyson Green, NG7 5GX
Those using the bins are advised to package any blades securely before travel, with suggestions including using a sturdy box or wrapping items in bubble wrap to ensure safe transport.