Carrying a knife is 'dumb: Wiltshire PCC urges young people to bin blades
He says knife crime in Wiltshire is rising
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson is urging young people not to be 'dumb' and carry a knife.
He's told Greatest Hits Radio that knife crime is rising in the county and he's hoping that a week of intensive action against it this week will lead to a reduction.
Wiltshire Police are part of a national initiative, called Sceptre, which targets knife crime and will be working with schools and colleges this week to raise awareness of the dangers young people face if they're being exploited by criminal gangs.
As part of the week of action, a new surrender bin has been installed at Wiltshire FA headquarters.
Mr Wilkinson said he wants to address the underling causes and consequences of knife crime in Wiltshire as a matter of urgency.
"We need to address that as a very serious issue because it's causing harm and some real tragedies," he said.
The PCC added: "We need to convince young people. It's not wise.
"It's dumb carrying a knife because all you're gonna do is cause harm to other people and harm to yourself."
It's hoped that the new disposal bin will allow people to dispose of blade weapons anonymously.
Inspector Ben Huggins told Greatest Hits Radio that the bins are vital.
"It's an opportunity for anybody who wishes to disposes any type of bladed article, without the fear of prosecution, to come along, pop it in there, and get rid of it."
He added that it's not just for younger people, and that everyone in society can use the bins,