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A week-long campaign to raise awareness of the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife has started in Devon and Cornwall.

Knife surrender bins have been placed in police stations across both counties.

During the campaign, which runs until Sunday, police officers are test buying knives to make sure retailers are completing the correct age and safety checks.

Det Ch Insp, Steve Fleetwood, said: “Devon and Cornwall remains one of the safest areas in the country to live. However, tackling knife crime is a key priority for us."

During the campaign, activities in schools, colleges and public spaces are planned to raise awareness of knife crime and knife carrying.

Det Ch Insp Fleetwood said: “We encourage anyone carrying a knife to surrender it to their local police station.

"We won’t ask questions and you won’t be arrested, we just want to keep our communities safe.

“Knife crime is not a big problem in Devon and Cornwall, but we remain active in preventing knife crime, doing all we can to remove knives from our streets and pursue those who chose to carry them and commit offences.”

The week is part of the national campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

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