Members of the public who own knives and firearms can hand in their weapons at London police stations in exchange for financial compensation.

The “national surrender” entitles those who provide personal details and can prove ownership to payment if the weapon is worth more than £30 from today.

Those who do not wish to disclose their identity can hand in weapons at 12 police stations across the capital, including Lewisham, without compensation.

The scheme has been put into action ahead of the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which comes into effect next year, and will make it an offence for people to have certain firearms weapons in the home.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Hill, who is leading the weapons surrender in the Met, said: “Our top priority remains tackling violent crime and we fully support this surrender which seeks to remove potentially dangerous and harmful knives and firearms - every weapon surrendered could mean the prevention of a violent incident, injury or death.

“Alongside this surrender, officers will be carrying out a range of tactics including weapon sweeps, patrols, and intelligence-led stop and search to target those who are still intent on carrying knives and firearms on the streets of London.

“I would urge Londoners to do the right thing and surrender any weapons they might have and remember that this is all aimed at reducing violence, safeguarding communities and keeping our city safe.”

A form must be completed in advance, and the individual must also be the legal owner of the weapon and, where possible, provide acceptable proof of ownership.

List of police stations in London where knives can be handed in:

The following designated police stations will be open 24 hours a day:

1. Twickenham Police Station, 41 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3SY

2. Lewisham Police Station, 43 Lewisham High St, Lewisham, SE13 5JZ

3. Croydon Police Station, 71 Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1BP

4. Brixton Police Station, 367 Brixton Road, Brixton, SW9 7DD

5. Hammersmith Police Station, 226 Shepherds Bush Road, Hammersmith, W6 7NX

6. Islington Police Station, 2 Tolpuddle Street, The Angel, Islington, N1 0YY

7. Stoke Newington Police Station, 33 Stoke Newington High St, London, N16 8DS

8. Forest Gate Police Station, 350-360 Romford Rd, London, E7 8BS

9. Wembley Police Station, 603 Harrow Rd, Wembley, HA0 2HH

10. Tottenham Police Station, 398 High Rd, Tottenham, N17 9JA

11. Acton Police Station, 250 High St, Acton, W3 9BH

12. Romford Police Station, 19 Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BJ