More than 400 knives binned in crackdown

More than 400 knives have been handed in and 173 people arrested over possession of weapons, drugs, robbery and suspicion of drinking and driving.

The action by Northumbria Police targeted wanted offenders and aimed to educate young people through 250 engagement sessions.

Patrols were also carried out on the region's transport network, with 141 stop and searches taking place.

Ch Supt Joanne Park-Simmons, from Northumbria Police, said the results were "excellent".

As part of the action in November, knife surrender bins were placed at police stations in Alnwick, Bedlington, Berwick, Hexham, Wallsend, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields and Sunderland.

A total of 433 knives were left in the bins during the week-long crackdown.

Eleven knives were also seized during a house search.

Ch Supt Park-Simmons said: "I'd like to thank our officers for their hard work throughout the week of action and also those members of the public who handed in knives at our stations."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth added: "There is never a right time to carry a knife – it puts lives at risk and makes you more likely to use it.

"Too many lives have been lost, futures destroyed and families left heartbroken due to knife crime."

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