POLICE are urging people to surrender knives anonymously and to think about the consequences of carrying a bladed weapon.

On September 18, West Mercia Police launched a knife surrender campaign aimed at making the region's streets safer by encouraging people to hand their weapons in anonymously at a police station.

Knife bins have been located at police stations around the area including one at the station in Castle Street, Worcester where people can surrender their knives anonymously.

Chief inspector Sharon Cannings said: "There are obvious consequences of carrying a knife, the main ones being that you could end up in prison or causing harm to someone.

"But there are other less obvious consequences. If you're caught with a knife you will get a criminal record and this will impact upon the rest of your life including ruined job prospects, not being able to go to university and not being able to travel to some countries, including the United States.

"However, the main consequence could be the untold damage you can cause.

"Unfortunately we have seen the damage knife crime causes to victims and their families and friends and this is why we're encouraging people to think twice and leave the knife at home; it could be the most important decision you make.

"Carrying a knife gives people a false sense of security, if you carry one you are more likely to get stabbed yourself."

Possession of a knife can carry a prison sentence of up to four years.