WEAPONS including axes, bayonets and stanley knives have all been surrendered as part of a police campaign.

Knife crime has increased by 28 per cent in the past year across the Thames Valley, prompting officers to launch 'Operation Sceptre'.

A total of 172 knives were surrendered during the week-long campaign, with designated collection bins scattered throughout the region.

Items ranged from bread and Stanley knives, through to bayonet with scabbards, Zombie knives and even an axe.

Chief inspector Helen Roberts, the officer responsible for co-ordinating Operation Sceptre, said: “Knife crime ruins lives.

"Carrying a knife can result in you committing a serious crime and having to live with the consequences – also you are four times more likely to be a victim of knife crime if you carry a knife.

"You might feel a sense of being invincible when you carry a knife, but that is not the case, you are likely to make risky decisions and as a result put yourself in dangerous situations."

A number of activities were carried out to tackle knife crime as part of the operation.

Working in partnership with Trading Standards, officers conducted a number of test purchase operations.

Police Cadets, all under the age of 18, attempted to buy a knife from a range of retailers.

During one of the operations, three of the ten retailers tested sold a knife to the underage Cadets.

The retailers were provided with advice from Thames Valley Police and are being investigated by Trading Standards.

Chief inspector Roberts added: “We continue to work hard to deliver a number of activities to reduce knife crime across the Thames Valley.

"Knife surrender bins and test purchase operations are such activities which we included in a high profile Knife Crime Action week in February.

“If you need to report a knife related crime to the Police, please call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency if there is an immediate danger to life.”