A week-long knife amnesty has begun across Anglesey and Gwynedd as part of a nationwide campaign.

North Wales Police is taking part in the week-long Spectre initiative, which is held twice a year.

They're encouraging the public to surrender any knives or bladed articles that could be used as a weapon either at a local police station or at several recycling centres across the region.

Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead police stations are taking part along with the following locations:

• Bangor Recycling Centre,
• Cibyn Recycling Centre, Caernarfon,
• Harlech Recycling Centre
• Dolgellau Recycling Centre
• Gwalchmai Recycling Centre
• Penhesgyn Recycling Centre, Menai Bridge

A recent amnesty on zombie knives saw 20 being handed into police stations across North Wales ahead of a ban which came into effect in September.

Anyone handing in a knife or bladed weapon during the latest surrender, which runs until Sunday, will not face prosecution.

But the amnesty is only part of a campaign that includes targeted operations, as well as engagement and education aimed at young people to highlight the dangers of knife crime.

Chief Inspector Siobhan Edwards of North Wales Police’ prevention hub said: “We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is unacceptable and that no good can come from carrying one."

“Every incident involving a knife has consequences for all those involved, and so this is an issue we take extremely seriously."

“We take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rid yourselves of any unwanted or illegal weapons by taking them to our knife amnesty bins which are located at our police station front counters and at local authority recycling centres."

“Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of North Wales. Carrying knives or other weapons do not keep you safe. By carrying a knife, you are putting yourself in much greater danger, and more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself."

“Whilst the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are absolutely essential. We are committed to taking a collaborative approach to tackle knife crime across north Wales and we will continue to build on the already successful work with our partners and communities.”

Police officers are also visiting local retailers to check staff are in the know about the sales of knives and the Challenge 25 ID scheme, ensuring that they don't fall into the wrong hands.

CI Edwards added: "A large part of the police’s work is out in communities and schools; educating young people on the impact that knives can have not just on individuals, but on families and communities. This work will continue throughout the week with school community police officers vising schools and colleges to highlight the risks and consequences of carrying a knife."

“We continue to urge parents, guardians and extended family members, to talk to young family members about knife crime as you can play a vital role in preventing them from becoming involved. We advise you try and talk to them openly about the dangers, as well as the life-changing consequences that come from carrying a knife."

“We are grateful for the support from our partners and communities and together, we will continue to work towards removing knives and dangerous weapons and bring those responsible, for carrying and using them, to justice.”