POLICE will be proactively engaging with residents in Grays next week after the town was identified as a 'high harm hotspot'. Officers will be encouraging resident to surrender any potentially illegal knives.

It's part of a regional campaign that has already started in Southend where, on the first morning of deployment, more than 20 knives were voluntarily handed over to officers from Essex Police's 'Op Grip' team and Operational Support Group (OSG).

Op Grip hotspot patrolling zones are areas data analysis shows have a higher probability of a serious violent incident.

There are 15 Grip zone in Essex, including Grays. Officers will be out encouraging people in the town on Tuesday, 24 September.

An officer removes a knife collection from a property.

From 24 September this year, zombie-style knives and machetes will be outlawed by new legislation. The law will cover the manufacture, supply, sale, possession and importation of these weapons.

A national surrender and compensation scheme was launched by the Home Office in August. It runs until 23 September, a deadline which has prompted the local action.

Further details of the surrender scheme, a list of items covered, their definition and guidance on how to transport them safely can be found via this link or by visiting the Home Office's dedicated web page.

Other varieties of knives not specified under the new legislation can still be deposited in designated amnesty bins across Essex, however these will not be covered by the government's compensation scheme.

Officers spoke to local residents to explain the increased presence in the area.

Detective Inspector Karen Miller of Operation Grip said: "We're raising awareness of the legislation change and engaging with members of the public. So far, the reaction has been really positive.

"If people have knives they want to get rid of, we can take them away and destroy them, or they can safely take them to their nearest amnesty bin. This prevents them from potentially ending up in the wrong hands.

"Weapons like machetes and zombie-type knives have always been illegal to possess in public, but this change in the law will give us more powers to stop them being sold, kept or used.

"People may not be aware of the law change, but ignorance is not an excuse. Just because you can order something online does not mean it is legal for you to possess."