POLICE have set up weapon surrender bins on the Isle of Wight this week as part of their effort to combat knife crime.

Today (Monday, November 11), the bins were in St Urian’s Car Park, Lake, and in the Co-op car park in Rookley between 12pm and 1pm.

There are also surrender bins at Newport and Ryde Police stations throughout the week, under Operation Sceptre.

Officers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are participating in a national week of action to tackle knife crime.

Read more: Island included in national knife crime campaign launched this week

Operation Sceptre, led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, began today and involves officers taking dedicated action to make communities safer from knife-related crimes.

In addition to seizing knives and arresting those in possession of them, the police will also work to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives and the serious violence it can lead to.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary will work closely with its Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and partners, such as local authorities, public health, charities and youth workers, to make communities safer and prevent young people from being drawn into knife crime.

Some of the increased police activity during Operation Sceptre will include additional high visibility patrols, particularly in identified hotspot areas, and engaging with current and potential carriers.

The police will work with schools, colleges, and youth groups to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime.

Read more: Campaign urging Isle of Wight knife owners to surrender them

They will also conduct weapons sweeps for hidden or discarded knives, staff knife arches at various locations, and work with partners to promote the 'Challenge 25 ID approach.

Acting Inspector, Christian Lavin, tactical lead for knife crime for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said: "A huge effort is being made to work closely with local and national partners to educate, prevent and reduce knife crime in our communities.

"We understand it can be worrying to hear about knife crime.

"Though knife crime figures in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are comparatively low, knife-related offences continue to fall within our communities."