Knife surrender bins double in West Midlands as PCC continues knife crime crack down
Knife surrender bins in the West Midlands are set to double from 32 to 64 as the PCC continues his commitment to tackling knife crime.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has planned to double the number of weapon surrender bins in the West Midlands from 32 to 64 to reaffirm his commitment to combat knife crime.
The metal containers (bins) allow the safe and anonymous disposal of knives and weapons, with Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster stating how every knife, blade or weapon disposed off if 'potentially a life saved'.
Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star’s free newsletter
The new bins come as 1,705 weapons were surrendered and later destroyed between the January and March of this year, which equates to 142 weapon deposits a week, or over 20 a day.
The recent haul includes weapons such as flick knives, zombie knives, kitchen knives, knuckle dusters and even firearms.
Speaking about the importance of the knife surrender bins during Knife Crime Awareness Week, PCC Simon Foster said: "Weapon surrender bins are continuing to have a significant impact, because they play an important part in keeping people, families, businesses and communities safe here in the West Midlands.
"I’ve witnessed the bins being cleared, and the range of weapons that have been deposited and then later destroyed is truly staggering. These bins are ensuring there are fewer dangerous weapons out on the streets of the West Midlands."
Between January and March, a total of 415 weapons were deposited in a single bin outside the New Testament Church of God in Erdington.
Mr Foster added: "Preventing and tackling serious violence and knife crime is an absolute top priority for me as Police and Crime Commissioner, and that’s why, during Knife Crime Awareness Week (May 19-25), I’m pleased to announce this further investment to double the number of weapon surrender bins from 32 to 64.
"As I keep emphasising, every knife, blade or weapon placed in a weapon surrender bin, is potentially a life saved."
The nearest highest bin deposit was near the Morrison's on the Black Country Route in Bilston, with 104 weapons being deposited between January and March.
