Knife Amnesty Bins Here To Stay And More On Way After 61 Weapons Dumped

Published on: 29 Sep, 2019
Updated on: 2 Oct, 2019

The “Knife Bank” at Guildford police station

Surrey police are to make permanent their knife amnesty bins set up as part of a national week of action, and double the number available.

Originally, bins were installed at Staines, Guildford, Woking and Reigate police stations and 61 weapons have been handed in, 15 in Guildford. Now Detective Superintendent Pete Fulton, Surrey lead on tackling violent crime, is planning where to install four more.

“Based on public feedback, revamped knife amnesty bins are now in place on a permanent basis,” he said.This will allow knives and other weapon to be safely dumped at any time, without fear of prosecution or questions being asked.

“We are actively working to secure more locations for our knife banks across the county, with four additional on the way,” he added.

“Our work to tackle knife crime doesn’t stop there. Every day, we work on prevention, enforcement and education with the support of other organisations to tackle crime and safeguard vulnerable people.

“We are determined to steer our young people away from a culture of violence and to break the cycle. While knife crime remains low in Surrey, it is essential we keep on top of this issue and that’s what makes our participation in this campaign so important.”

Last week, officers intensified efforts, mounting weapon sweeps, testing knife-purchasing and aiding education in schools.

Anyone with knowledge of knife-carrying should call 101 or report online at surrey.policeuk/ro/report/. Information san also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are in danger or need immediate help, always dial 999.

Responses to Knife Amnesty Bins Here To Stay And More On Way After 61 Weapons Dumped

M Smith Reply

October 6, 2019 at 12:17 pm

In this article, knives that have been handed in during this amnesty are described as “weapons”, which is surprising given that we are led to believe that most knife crime is committed using kitchen knives or similar household tools rather than weapons like bayonets or fighting knives.

I’m also concerned that you may be encouraging people to waste police time by asking that anyone with knowledge of knife-carrying should report it to the police, as I would hope that they have better things to do than investigate the small Swiss Army penknife I habitually carry on my key-ring. Perhaps you could be a bit more precise in future reports?

Editor’s note: The article is based on a police press release and the encouragement, which we have passed on, is theirs. Our readers are trusted to use their common sense and good judgement when it comes to lawful knives such as penknives.