A police boss is stepping up the crackdown against knife crime after purchasing hand-held metal detectors for use by pub and club door staff.

North Wales police and crime commissioner Arfon Jones made the announcement to coincide with Operation Sceptre, a national campaign to reduce knife crime between 16 and 22 September.

As part of the drive, amnesty bins will be place in police stations across north Wales so that knives can be disposed of safely.

Similar bins will be placed at a number of recycling centres for people who do not feel comfortable attending a police station.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, has bought 10 of the devices for door staff across north Wales, adding to the 10 issued last year.

In addition, the commissioner has also funded a £2,000 interactive display at DangerPoint, in Talacre, which is Wales’ only safety education centre.

The commissioner added: “While north Wales hasn’t seen the degree of knife crime that other areas have it is worth pointing out that we have had two organised crime homicides involving knives in recent years.

“We are setting up a youth commission and once that’s established it will give young people the chance to raise their fears about their safety and about others using them.

“I am very impressed with the display here at DangerPoint. Knife crime and the fear of knife crime causes a great deal of harm and the more we can do to raise awareness the better.

“I am delighted to have been able to pay for this new addition to the excellent facilities at DangerPoint and if it saves just one life it will have been money well spent."

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