Red disposal bins are at police stations across the region, and it’s understood around 30 knives have been surrendered at Bell Street HQ in Dundee alone.

Detective Superintendent Jim Cameron told the Tele, “I’m encouraged by the number of knives that have been put into the bins so far.

“There has been a range of weapons, including a variety of lock and kitchen knives, ceremonial weapons and cleavers. It is quite alarming to think they are in circulation.

“I am pleased, however, that individuals have taken this opportunity to take some vicious weapons out of circulation.”

The detective said figures for the amnesty, which runs for another month, were not currently available, but added that “one knife off the streets is a good start.”

The Glasgow-based Violence Reduction Unit, which is overseeing this year’s amnesty, said it would not reveal a running national total for the purge.

“We are now one week into the nationwide knife amnesty and we are heartened by the positive response from the public,” said VRU Chief Inspector Alex McGuire.

“Forces up and down the country are telling us that people are taking the opportunity to surrender their knives and other weapons to their local police office.

“It's impossible to say how many weapons will be handed in, but there is no doubt fewer knives on the streets, means a safer Scotland for everyone.”

Officers in Tayside also stressed they would take every opportunity to enforce the law during the amnesty and beyond.

And they have welcomed recent moves by the Lord Advocate Colin Boyd to introduce stiffer penalties for those involved in the country’s knife-carrying culture.

“There is a specific enforcement period at the end of June, however we carry out enforcement on a day-to-day basis,” said Mr Cameron.

“I can confirm that, since the amnesty started, we have arrested a number of individuals, some of whom are in Perth Prison awaiting trial.

“We are encouraged by the changes proposed by the Lord Advocate in support of the anti-violence campaign.

“I would like to make it clear I have no sympathy for anyone who ends up in prison because they have beencarrying a knife for their own protection. If you don’t feel safe going out, stay at home.

“The strong message to people who are thinking about carrying a knife is to hand it in — otherwise we’ll be there to take it from them.”

Anyone with information about individuals carrying knives or other weapons in public is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.