Two knives were handed in to police during a Monday night operation in Watford town centre.

Officers were patrolling pubs and clubs in a crackdown on alcohol-related violence and under-age drinking during Monday's “student night”.

As well as patrolling in increased numbers, they erected metal detecting knife arches at rail stations, searched revellers and placed knife amnesty bins around the town.

The bins encourage criminals to get rid of weapons before they are caught and prosecuted. No arrests were made.

A media van was also in the town, beaming information on crime figures and useful contact details to revellers.

Bluetooth messages - including details on the knife deposit bins, the police stop and search powers and a safer drinking messages - were also transmitted to mobile phones from three sites.

Trading Standards also participated in the operation, checking 17 licensed premises in Watford to ensure they were complying with the terms of their license, as well as discussing age checks and door security staff licenses.

All were found to be in order.

Inspector Nigel Dalkin, who led the operation, commented: “This operation aimed to demonstrate to anyone tempted to bring a knife with them that we are determined to keep those towns with a thriving night-time economy in Hertfordshire, like Watford, a safe and pleasant place for people to go out and enjoy themselves.

“I would particularly like to thank both the bars and clubs for their excellent support and co-operation, and the young people who were out throughout the evening for the good reception the officers received.

“Based on the success of this operation, I will be looking to run similar operations across the county in the coming months.”

Anne Wright, Police Authority member for Watford, added: “This operation was about reinforcing the fact that Watford is a very safe place, and discouraging those who would try to alter that to the detriment of all Watford’s citizens.”