Shepton Mallet residents now have a safe and secure way to dispose of unwanted knives thanks to a tamper-proof knife surrender bin installed outside the local police station.

The bin, located just outside the front office, is part of an initiative aimed at reducing the risks associated with unused or unwanted knives in the community.

Police are urging residents to make use of the bin if they have any knives they no longer need. Once deposited, the knives will be safely collected and disposed of by the authorities. The process is anonymous, and no questions will be asked of anyone using the bin.

A spokesperson for the police said: "This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe. Unwanted knives can pose a real risk, whether left lying around at home or falling into the wrong hands. By safely disposing of them in the surrender bin, you're helping to make our town a safer place for everyone."

To ensure safety, residents are advised to wrap knives securely before depositing them into the bin. This small step helps to avoid accidental injuries during disposal.

The knife surrender bin is accessible at all times, offering a convenient solution for anyone wishing to discard unwanted blades responsibly.

Police have highlighted the importance of community participation in schemes like this to reduce potential harm. Knife bins are part of a broader effort to tackle knife-related crime and promote safety across the region.

Residents are encouraged to spread the word about the bin to ensure it is widely used. If you have any concerns or questions about knife disposal, you can contact Shepton Mallet Police via 101 or visit the police station for more information.