Huttonian moves to Duns with a feeling of increased relaxation after reading the result of a recent 'knife amnesty' in the Borders with no less than 16 weapons handed over in the town: Story in the Berwickshire as follows:


Public hand knives over to police


16 weapons handed over in Duns


Mike WynneBy Simon Duke
POLICE have announced that a total of 25 knifes were handed in to Berwickshire stations during a three week campaign in the Borders.
The Safer Scotland initiative saw police use metal detectors in pubs and sheriff courts throughout the area, while red bins were situated at six police stations for members of the public to hand in any weapons.
A total of 64 knifes were handed in, as well an axe, a scythe, a cleaver and three screwdrivers.
Duns saw 16 knifes handed over, the second highest in the Borders behind Galashiels, while Eyemouth Police Station had nine weapons given up.
Out of a total of 1275 searches made on people in the Borders, none were found with dangerous weapons in their possession.
Mike Wynne, Operations Officer at Hawick Police Station, said: "This three week long campaign under the Safer Scotland banner is part of a number of initiatives we have been involved in.
"The campaign saw hand held metal detectors used outside license premises and courts in various locations. No one was found with a weapon on them, which is very pleasing and shows that the Borders does not experience the problems associated with other areas of the country.
"Red bins were also situated at police stations across the Borders and 64 knifes were disposed of, the majority of which were kitchen knifes."
Galashiels saw the highest number of weapons handed in with 21 knifes, an axe and one cleaver.
Selkirk and Hawick both had eight knifes given up, along with three screwdrivers in Selkirk and one scythe in Hawick.
Lauder Police Station saw two knifes handed in over the three weeks.
Despite no one being caught in possession of a knife during the campaign, those who are found in possession of a weapon are dealt with severely in the courts.
Last week, an Eyemouth man currently in custody was sent to jail for a further five months at Duns Sheriff Court after he was caught last December in the town with an eight inch kitchen knife.


No word of this came to Hutton-certainly never mentioned by the pollis when attending the local community council meetings. I have an axe, a hatchet, a couple of scythes, a panga, at least 12 screwdrivers (Philliphs mostly so not too lethal) and a very large bicycle pump. Must avoid going to the Cross when tooled up, I suppose.

I can't help feeling sorry for a recent immigrant from Cork who mistook the purpose of the amnesty.

She handed in all her kitchen knives.

And can't get them back.


The image is apparently of a weapon not covered by the campaign and is now stuck firmly into pre-Autumnal foliage in the Whiteadder valley. It was nicked from the Fishwick Special Branch armoury some weeks ago together with a pair of Flintlock Muskets from the strategic weapon reserve. Usual rewards apply.

Labels: Amnesty, Berwickshire, Duns, Low Flying Merse

  ¶ 2:55 PM