"Offensive" Weapons Amnesty (U.K.)

England's Derbyshire County is offering amnesty to anyone who drops off knives and "other offensive weapons" at police stations. Click on the above title for the full story.

In the first week they've received 445 weapons.

Last year there were 501 people arrested for illegally carrying knives or offensive weapons in the county.

This is ludicrous! What is the difference between an "offensive" and a "defensive" weapon under their laws? ANY weapon can be used both as a defensive safety tool and as an offensive tool of aggression. When will these people learn that it is the intent and actions of wielder is that determines if something is offensive or defensive?

Assistant Chief Constable Mick Creedon said:
"That is fantastic news as it means that fewer weapons could fall into the hands of criminals."

Wrong! What it means that those people who are forced by their laws to disarm themselves will have no means of defending themselves against criminals, who by definition don't obey the laws.

Carrying any offensive weapon or bladed article on school premises carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison or a fine.

I carried a small pocket knife to school as a child, and amazingly enough I didn't lop off any heads with it. In fact, in high school, I carried a Swiss Army Knife, complete with a variety of blades. In Derbyshire this could result in a 4 year prison term?!? Laws like this won't keep a bloody minded child killer from carrying out his intent. I wonder how long until they have their own version of the Japanese school knife massacre where the only person with a weapon is the guy carving up the kids.

Just when I thought the UK was coming to its senses and trying to legalize home defense, it starts weapon collection programs and contemplates banning knives in Scotland.