The West Midlands has two new weapon surrender bins for people to dispose of knives, blades and sharp objects and a third will be installed within weeks.
The two bins already in place have been positioned outside McDonalds on Belchers Lane in Bordesley Green and outside the Cornbow Shopping Centre in Halesowen.
The third bin will be installed in Coventry by the end of the month, once a location has been chosen which will have the greatest impact on knife crime.
It’s part of a concerted effort by David Jamieson the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle violence. The bins offer people a place to safely and securely dispose of weapons.
The Commissioner previously had 17 bins in our region and these new additions will take that tally to 20. So far thousands of knives and weapons have been deposited into the PCC’s weapon surrender bins across the region over the last few years.
The bins are installed in consultation with the local community and partner organisations. A map of all of the PCC’s weapon surrender bins in the West Midlands can be viewed here.
Knife crime has more than doubled across the West Midlands since 2012.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “These bins are just one measure we are taking to get knives off our streets.
“The bins are providing people with a legal and safe way to dispose of knives which they shouldn’t be carrying. Every knife posted into a surrender bin is potentially a life saved.
“These bins prove most effective when the community wants them and the message I have been receiving loud and clear is that more are needed.
“Knives can ruin the lives of individuals, families and entire communities. If you have a knife or any weapon, or know somebody who does, I strongly recommend you dispose of it in one of these bins.”
The weapons recovered from the bins will be destroyed.
The Birmingham weapon surrender bin has been made possible with the support of Birmingham City Council, which has allowed the bin to be installed on its land.
Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Community Safety and Equalities, for Birmingham City Council, said: “Stopping knife crime on our streets is a vital priority for us all, so I welcome the introduction of more knife bins, which I hope will encourage individuals to surrender any blades or knives – and help save lives by doing so.
“Everyone has a part to play in tackling knife crime – from individual citizens through to the council and other public services – and making Birmingham and beyond safer for all.”
Sergeant Marc Paxton from West Midlands Police, said:”Tackling knife crime and weapons related violence is a priority for West Midlands Police.
“We have been working with the local community and partner agencies to educate and raise awareness around weapon offences and having these new knife bins will enable people to come forward and dispose of dangerous weapons in a safe manner.
“We thank the Police and Crime Commissioner and Birmingham City Council for supporting this initiative.”
Back to News Archive