North Yorkshire Police have launched a week-long operation to tackle knife crime in the area.
It includes a knife amnesty, with bins across the county where people can dump their blades, no questions asked.
Officers will also to carry out more stop and searches and more patrols.
The message from the force is: ‘Save a life – bin a knife’.
Knife amnesty bins are installed in police stations in York, Scarborough, Malton, Northallerton, Harrogate and Skipton.
They will be in place from today (Monday) to Sunday (21 May).
Police ask people to wrap their unwanted knife in thick paper or cardboard, then drop it in the clearly-marked bin. You do not have to give your name or any other details.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “The aim of the bins is not only to reduce knife crime, but also give reassurance to people who simply want to dispose of unwanted knives and sharp objects – such as old kitchen knives, or unused work tools – safely and securely.
“Taking a knife out of circulation in this way prevents it from ever falling into the wrong hands, helping to keep communities safer.”
In addition to the amnesty bins, throughout the week police will be speaking to young people to educate them about the dangers of knife crime.
They will also be carrying out high-visibility patrols, stop and searches and other enforcement activity in areas linked to possible knife crime.
Detective Superintendent Andrea Kell of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It only takes one knife in the wrong hands to cause serious injury or even death. Knives destroy lives, it’s as simple as that.
“Every knife placed in an amnesty bin is one less knife that could be used as a lethal weapon on the streets. That’s why I’m urging everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to dispose of them this week.
“Our officers and staff use every tactic available to reduce the number of knife incidents, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and the public we are more effective, responsive and can take steps to prevent people carrying and using knives.”
She urged people to report anyone they knew who was carrying a knife via 101, or anonymously via Fearless, part of Crimestoppers.