Police say there has been a rise in knife crime in Swindon and a national amnesty announced this week will help. Gareth Bethell reports.

SWINDON police have welcomed a knife amnesty, saying that the number of crimes involving blades in the town is on the up.

A nationwide amnesty will be held between May 24 and June 30 and a Government campaign will urge public support.

Det Insp Paul Jennings, of Swindon CID, said that anything that could take knives off the streets was a good idea.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said that the project which will allow members of the public to get rid of bladed instruments without fear of prosecution would reduce the devastation caused by knife crime.

Det Insp Jennings said: "We would encourage people to take part in the amnesty because it's a worthwhile cause.

"If we reduce the amount of knives likely to be carried we will see a reduction in the amount of knives used to commit a crime.

"It does seem to be more common and it's something we keep a close eye on."

Det Insp Jennings said the police are working hard to make Swindon safe and he believes that the amnesty will help.

"Offences of this nature can be very serious and can lead to a fatality," he said.

"It's fair to say that overall we have seen an increase in crimes which involve the illegal use of weapons.

"Knives are easy to get hold of and more likely to be used in crime than other weaponry.

"The more we can reduce the possession the more safe a community we are going to live in."

Home Secretary Mr Clarke said: "Tackling knife culture, especially among young people, is paramount to the safety of our communities, and I am determined to reduce the devastation caused by knife crime.

"The message of this campaign is simple carrying knives on the streets will not be tolerated.

"Every weapon handed in during the amnesty will be a weapon that cannot be used in crime."

North Swindon Labour MP Michael Wills also welcomed the announcement of the national knife amnesty.

He said: "A knife amnesty will be a great help in our fight to cut crime in Swindon.

"It is important, however, that the amnesty is backed by tough measures to deter people from carrying knives and enforce tough punishments on those who do.

"The Violent Crime Reduction Bill, currently being discussed in Parliament, will do just that."

Where the law stands.

Having an article with a blade or point in a public place without good reason carries a sentence of up to two years in prison.

An exemption applies to folding pocket knives with a blade of less than three inches.

A person carrying a knife in school premises can face four years behind bars.

It is an offence to sell a knife or certain articles with a blade or point to those under 16 years old.

The Knives Act 1997 created offences relating to the unlawful marketing of knives as suitable for combat, or in ways likely to encourage violent behaviour.

It also extended the police's power to stop and search in anticipation of violence.

The Prevention of Crime Act 1953 prohibits the carrying of any offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

A public place includes private premises to which the public have access.

An offensive weapon is defined as any article made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person, or intended by the person for such use.

The maximum penalty for this offence is six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.