David Jamieson: Rise in knife crime and stab deaths prompts scheme roll-out
Knife-wielding criminals are committing more offences across the region despite weapons surrender bins popping up in the West Midlands.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said knife-related crimes in the county have soared, almost doubling in recent months.
He claimed there have been more fatal stabbings in the last six months than the total number committed in 2015.
Mr Jamieson said: "There has been a real spike upwards in knife crime and in knife deaths. The crime is spread right across the region, and its people of all ages, all ethnicities.
"I'm very concerned. What really concerns me is that the obvious causes are not so apparent, so finding the solution is much more difficult.
"Knife crime is totally dreadful. When people are stabbed, it's truly awful and has dreadful effects on people. One violent crime here is one violent crime too many."
His comments come as weapons surrender bins across the county were emptied, with 29 knives and two BB guns discovered in Wolverhampton.
There are now plans to roll out the scheme across the Black Country, with locations in Dudley and Walsall being earmarked for the weapons bins.
Mr Jamieson said: "Every weapon deposited in a knife bin in our region is one fewer on the streets. I’m pleased to say all the knives and guns will now be destroyed.
"These bins are only successful if the community supports them and I would like to thank everyone who deposited a weapon, or encouraged someone else to do so, for doing the right thing.
"Our streets are safer as a result of these bins. If anyone out there has a weapon - or knows someone who does - I would urge them to get rid of it in a surrender bin as soon as possible."
WATCH as deadly haul of weapons surrendered
A collection of 61 knives were dropped into Birmingham bins, along with two revolvers complete with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition.
But the highest number of surrendered items was discovered in West Bromwich, where 94 knives and sharp objects were found.
Councillor Syeda Khatun, Sandwell council's deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhood and communities, said she was 'relieved' the weapons were now off the streets.
She added: "The consequences of carrying a weapon can be devastating for individuals, families and the wider community.
"I hope more people will be encouraged to come forward to surrender weapons they may be carrying, because an incident can easily become very serious, and even fatal, when knives are involved."
