Knife amnesty - knife-bins

Tackling knife crime

While knife crime remains low in Hertfordshire, in comparison to other parts of the country, we are committed to doing everything we can to tackle serious violence by working hard closely with our partner agencies and other organisations to ensure our county is safe and feels safe.

Hertfordshire Constabulary run activities throughout the year to reduce knife related crime to ensure residents can feel safer in their community. This work forms part of Sceptre, the national knife crime reduction campaign.

Our officers undertake a range of activities including targeted operations, engagement and education to reassure young people they are safer not carrying knives, and to walk away from harm.

Knife surrenders/amnesties

A knife amnesty will run between 17 & 23 November 2025 in Hertfordshire, as part of the national Sceptre initiative. 

During the amnesty any knives in your possession, that you do not want or should not have, can be surrendered in the knife-bin positioned in the St Albans Council reception area. Knives may also be surrendered at one of the following police stations: Hatfield, Stevenage or Watford.

Items can be surrendered anonymously and without fear of prosecution, during the amnesty in the knife bins provided, including recently banned zombie knives, machetes and ninja swords.

Outside of any knife amnesties, regular kitchen knives should be wrapped up and taken to recycling centres (opens in a new window).