Knife amnesty launched across Merseyside

A knife amnesty will be launched across the county, to coincide with the arrival of the Knife Angel in Birkenhead Park.

Amnesty bins will be installed at the Knife Angel, which is situated at the Grand Arch, Birkenhead, as well as at Tranmere Rovers, Wirral Change and Beechwood Recreation Centre and Merseyside Police General Enquiry Offices.

The amnesty is for anyone who wants to dispose of bladed weapons and another offensive weapons, such as knuckle dusters or friction lock batons to do so safely and without fear of prosecution. Many weapons are held in innocence or ignorance of their illegality. The amnesty gives members of the public the chance to dispose of a knife anonymously with no questions asked, by simply depositing it into the amnesty bin.

Those surrendering knives or weapons are not required to give any personal details and will not face prosecution for carrying them to a surrender bin.

The amnesty bins are just one element of our wider approach to tackling knife crime and as a force we put significant effort into putting a stop to this issue

Superintendent Phil Mullally said: “We know that knife bins do a great job in taking knives and other weapons off our streets, but they only work alongside enforcement and education.

“That is why I am delighted the bins accompany a whole range of activities in the Wirral from family fun day events to education groups and quiet reflection events – there is something for everyone, to go along to and maybe start the conversation of community and knife crime.

“I also want to remind people about the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which now makes it illegal to possess offensive weapons in a private place. There are a number offensive weapons included in the new legislation such as, knuckle dusters, friction lock batons and flick knives. You can find out more information by clicking the following link Offensive Weapons Act 2019 bans the possession of dangerous items in private (npcc.police.uk) (npcc.police.uk) ”

Managing Director of Tranmere Rovers in the Community, Dawn Tolcher said: "Tranmere Rovers are working with local partners to educate residents of the risks of carrying knives. Our work aims to encourage people not to carry knives which minimises the chances of people being seriously or fatally hurt. The amnesty bins including those located at Prenton Park and the Beechwood Recreation Centre are provided for people to surrender knives and other offensive weapons and we would urge the community to use them."

If you have information about someone carrying a knife, or know someone involved in crime, get in touch @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The amnesty will run until Sunday, 31 July.

You can also surrender knives and weapons at Merseyside Police General Enquiry Offices, as listed below.

• St Anne Street

• Birkenhead

• Huyton

• St Helens

• Southport

• Admiral Street

• Wallasey

• Newton-Le-Willows

• Bootle (Marsh Lane)

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