MORE knives will be taken off the streets of the West Midlands thanks to a new surrender bin installed last week (August 25).
The safe and secure metal boxes are there for people to dispose of knives, blades and other dangerous objects.
One of the bins will be installed outside the Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre in Solihull.
The roll out of the bins is part of a concerted effort by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, to tackle violence and reduce harm.
All the knives and weapons deposited into the knife bins are destroyed.
After the installation of the latest bins the region will have 23 weapon surrender bins across Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country and Coventry.
Thousands of knives have already been placed into the regions’ knife bins with each weapon deposited potentially saving a life.
Knife crime has more than doubled across the West Midlands since 2012.
The West Midlands Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Tom McNeil, said: “These bins are just one measure needed to get knives off our streets – alongside much earlier intervention including support for young people in difficult circumstances, and tackling big issues that drive crime such as mental ill health and addiction.
“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 the PCC and 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.”
Sergeant Hayley Thompson from Solihull Neighbouhood Police Team, said: “Chelmsley Wood Neighbourhood Police Team work closely with the community, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and our security partners to keep you safe and we are committed to preventing the harm caused by knife crime.”
Visit https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/tackling-violence/weapon-surrender-bins/ for more information.
