Hertfordshire Constabulary will take part in a national campaign to tackle knife crime later this month as officers across the county prepare for a week of targeted action.

The force will join police services nationwide for Operation Sceptre between Monday, May 18 and Sunday, May 24, with activities aimed at reducing knife crime and raising awareness about the dangers of carrying knives.

Although police say knife-related crime remains low in Hertfordshire compared to many other areas of the country, the campaign is designed to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and does not make people safer.

During the week, officers will carry out knife detection operations, visit retailers to ensure knives are not being sold to under-18s and deliver educational messages to young people through school visits and social media campaigns.

Residents will also be able to anonymously surrender unwanted knives at police stations in Hatfield, Stevenage and Watford, as well as at permanent surrender bins installed across the county as part of the Knife Angel initiative.

Recently banned weapons including zombie knives, machetes and ninja swords can also be handed in.

Superintendent Chris Hay, who is leading the operation in Hertfordshire, said: "Knife crime remains low in the county, but we regularly run these weeks of action, along with our policing partners across the country as part of a continuing effort to drive down knife crime.

"We have been focussing on knife crime over the last year, following the Knife Angel's visit, and as part of its legacy we intend to continue to keep this issue fresh in people's minds."

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He added that a knife sculpture created as part of the Knife Angel legacy can now be seen in Hatfield town centre.

Police are encouraging anyone with concerns or information about knife crime to contact officers via 101, online reporting or web chat.

More information on knife surrender locations can be found via Hertfordshire Police knife amnesty page.