A NATIONWIDE knife amnesty has netted a haul of almost 50 potentially lethal weapons in Minehead. Among those handed into the police station - one of 40 collection points across the Avon and Somerset force area - is a 1916 US Army bayonet in its original scabbard. Other knives surrendered include a machete, a number of Army survival knives and a selection of everyday knives found in the home. And with less than a fortnight to go before the end of the five-week amnesty, Inspector Nic Crocker, sector commander for West Somerset, this week urged more people to support the initiative. Mr Crocker said handing in knives was not only a public spirited action but could also avoid the risk of them getting into the wrong hands and he praised the response so far to the amnesty. "At a time where the incidence of violent crime seems to have increased elsewhere in the country, every knife handed in to us increases the likelihood that West Somerset can remain a safe place. "I thank everyone who took the trouble to bring these weapons in." In the last 12 months a total of ten people have been arrested in West Somerset for unlawful possession of a knife or a sharply bladed object. The number of serious assaults in the district were almost halved in 2005-06, with just six, compared to 11 the previous year. Overall, assaults have fallen by 23 per cent, meaning 100 fewer victims of crime in the area. The amnesty is aimed at reducing the number of knives and bladed weapons in circulation and promoting public safety. It is also hoped it will encourage more people to come forward and provide information about people who are using knives illegally. Mr Crocker sought to reassure anyone with a knife who may fear the consequences of handing it in. "The amnesty is what it says it is," he said. "We realise that people come into possession of knives in a variety of ways. "My message is this - if you have a knife left over from another householder or family member, bring it in. "We will ask no questions. Consider, should your home be burgled, the weapon taken and subsequently misused, how would you feel?" Mr Crocker said West Somerset was by and large a safe place for people to live and visit. "Most at risk are those who go out at night to enjoy Minehead's night life. "Alcohol plays a big part in violence. We will continue to work with licensees and other partners who have a part to play." Peter Hughes, community safety liaison officer for the West Somerset Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, welcomed the amnesty. "Locally, the partnership supports this initiative and any measures that serve to keep West Somerset a safe place to live, work and visit," he said. The amnesty continues until June 30. Pictured with the knife haul are, from the left, Sgt Neil Dillon, Mr Crocker and Mr Hughes. Photo: Steve Guscott.