Island-Wide Knife Amnesty
Anglesey has a two-month knife amnesty taking place in support of a walk in memory of a 21-year-old who was killed last year.
Leon Jones lost his life in November 2009 after being stabbed in Holyhead and North Wales Police officers are urging people to surrender their unwanted knives to try and remove them from the streets of Anglesey.
In 2009, North Wales Police recorded 13 incidents of knife crime on Anglesey.
"Although knife-crime is very low on Anglesey, we know there are public concerns, and this campaign is primarily about addressing those concerns,” said District Inspector Nigel Harrison.
"After the tragic incident involving Mr Jones, we are anxious to highlight the dangers of weapons, and want people to hand in any item they have in their possession, or in their homes, which could cause harm.
"We have red disposal bins at our stations in Holyhead and Llangefni, but people can also take their unwanted knives to our other stations in Menai Bridge, Gaerwen and Valley," he added.
The amnesty began on Friday, 5th February 2010, the day of the memorial walk organised by The Leon Jones Fund. The walk ended with them officially handing over a petition to MP Albert Owen. The Fund fully supports the amnesty.
"The Leon Jones Fund and the family wish to thank everybody for their support in attempting to highlight the issue of getting knives off the streets,” said Chairman David Hughes.
"We would also like to emphasise our motto "Dump the Knife - Save a Life" and encourage people to deposit any unwanted blades in an amnesty bin."
The Ynys Môn Community Safety Partnership is also backing the initiative.
"The Partnership's Key Priority Areas include tackling violent crime and the measures being taken locally to tackle knife crime are strongly supported by us," they said.
Police are urging anyone who may have information about individuals who carry knives or other bladed articles to call officers on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh Language Line), 0845 607 1002 (English Language Line) or Crimestoppers Wales Cymru anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively you can send a text message to 66767 or email - northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk
