Greater Manchester Police has received a new government-funded knife surrender bin as part of a month-long national scheme to reduce knife crime and remove ninja swords and other dangerous weapons from the streets.
The UK’s first mobile surrender van will visit Wigan and Rochdale during the surrender, allowing residents to safely and anonymously hand knives in without having to set foot in a police station.
Residents are encouraged to deposit dangerous and large bladed weapons into the bins and van, including ninja swords, which will be illegal to own from 1 August.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Thompson, part of Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated knife crime team, Op Venture, said: “Sadly, we have all seen the devastation knife crime has caused on our streets. Every life lost to violence is one too many and the impact doesn’t just impact those directly involved, the consequences of knife crime ripples through communities.
“GMP is committed to doing all we can to stop knife crime and as such we are fully supportive of the Home Office’s campaign. If you have a knife, but you do not feel comfortable handing it in at a police station, I urge you to take advantage of the bin and van while they’re here. One less knife on the streets is one more that cannot be used to commit violence.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities said: “Knife crime ruins lives and every knife surrendered is one less weapon that could cause harm in our communities.
“I encourage anyone who has a dangerous weapon in their home, or knows someone who does, to take this opportunity to hand it in with no questions asked. The new knife surrender bins and the UK’s first amnesty van make it even easier for people to do the right thing.
“Together, we can reduce the harm that knives cause and help make Greater Manchester a safer place for everyone.”
