A new weapon surrender bin has been installed in Birmingham.
The safe and secure metal box has been fitted in Handsworth, following funding by the Police and Crime Commissioner and is there for people to dispose of knives, blades and other dangerous weapons.
The roll out of the bins is part of a concerted effort by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, to prevent, tackle and reduce violence. All the knives and weapons deposited into the knife bins are destroyed.
Knife crime has more than doubled across the West Midlands since 2012.
After the latest installation the region will have 25 weapon surrender bins across Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country and Coventry, all under the PCC’s scheme.
Thousands of knives have already been placed into the regions’ knife bins, with each weapon deposited potentially saving a life.
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.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “These bins are just one of the ways I’m helping to get knives off our streets.
“These bins are requested by our communities and the message I have been receiving loud and clear is that more are needed.
“The bins provide people with a safe way to dispose of knives, which they shouldn’t be carrying. Every knife posted into a surrender bin is potentially a life saved.
“Knives can ruin the lives of individuals, families and entire communities. If you have a knife or any weapon I strongly recommend you dispose of it today.”
The PCC worked closely with Birmingham City Council to make sure the knife bin could be installed as quickly as possible.
Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities at Birmingham City Council said: “I’m delighted to have worked closely with the PCC’s team to ensure Handsworth gets a Weapon Surrender Bin.
“The community was calling for one after seeing how effective they are across the region and so to install a safe and secure metal container in this community made perfect sense.
“We must all work together if we are to reduce knife crime.”
Meanwhile, Inspector Dawn Fox, the local neighbourhood inspector, said: “There is already fantastic passionate work that has been on going within the East Handsworth and Lozells neighbourhood by community groups around tackling knife crime, supplying bleed kits and also training .
“The installation of the bin enhances all the work that the community and partners have already been doing to keep the area safe and I want to say thank you for all their efforts . Their efforts have supported the application for the knife bin.”
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