Amnesty bins will be placed at police stations in Herts and Cambs next week as part of a national initiative to tackle knife crime.

Forces across the country will take part in Operation Sceptre, allowing members of the public to hand in knives without prosecution.

It will run from Monday to Sunday – and at the last amnesty in May, 105 knives were recovered.

The nearest bins to Royston will be up the A1198 at Cambourne Police Station, Cambridge’s Parkside Police Station or Stevenage Police Station.

Herts police and crime commissioner David Lloyd said: “Operation Sceptre is now being run on a regular basis in many parts of the country and has been very effective in reducing the number of knives being carried.

“Any knives that we can be taken off of our streets will help to make everyone safer.

“Fortunately the number of knife-related incidents is low in the county, but as part of our wider crime prevention strategy, this can only contribute to making Hertfordshire even safer.”

It is illegal to sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18, carry a knife in public without good reason – unless it’s a knife with a folding blade three inches or less – carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife , or use any knife in a threatening way. This includes 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.

Insp Ben Newton, of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: “We’re continuing to join colleagues across the country in a determination to tackle knife crime.

“Knife amnesties form an important part of the strategy for Operation Sceptre and I’m pleased that more than 100 knives were recovered in May. I hope people will take this additional opportunity to dispose of weapons without fear of prosecution.

“As part of the campaign we’re appealing to people, including parents and carers, who know someone who carries a knife to encourage them to make use of the amnesty.”

Anyone who knows someone who carries a knife can also report it anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.