British society is getting safer all the time: Knife amnesty nets 17,700 weapons. (Hat tip: Ralph.)

Home office minister Vernon Coaker said the results were “encouraging”.

The five-week amnesty, running until 30 June, allows people to surrender knives at police stations without fear of punishment.

Mr Coaker urged those who had not yet handed in their weapons to do so. “The initial figures for the first week of that campaign are very encouraging, ” he said.

“That is 17,715 fewer weapons that can be used in a crime against ordinary, law-abiding citizens.

“If you carry a knife out of self-defence, you run the risk of having it turned on you. Carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated. It could land you four years in prison.”