A month-long campaign in Amsterdam and Diemen to encourage people to hand in weapons resulted in 336 guns, knives and other items being turned over to the police in the first week.

The haul to date includes 68 illegal guns and 34 fake guns, 30 air pistols and thousands of pieces of ammunition. Knives, swords, tasers and knuckledusters have also been turned in.

‘We are extremely happy with the result so far. Every weapon which has been taken off the street helps make the city a little safer,’ said coordinator Dandy Marcune. The campaign lasts the rest of the month.

To encourage youngsters in particular to come forward, officials decided that young adults who hand over a weapon can apply for a training course or talk with a personal coach about their future plans.