Campaign hopes Black Country knife bin will prevent future stabbing deaths
The Justice for Ryan Campaign was set up by Ryan Passey's family and friends
Last updated 30th Aug 2022
The family of a young man who was stabbed to death in the Black Country five years ago - say they hope a knife surrender bin will stop others from becoming victims.
Ryan Passey died after being attacked on a night out in Stourbridge in 2017.
His family and friends formed the Justice for Ryan campaign - and have worked with police to get a weapons bin on Duke Street.
The safe and secure metal boxes are there for people to dispose of knives, blades and other dangerous objects.
The Stourbridge knife bin has been installed after support from the family of Ryan Passey, a man who was stabbed to death during a night out in the town.
The roll out of the bins is part of a concerted effort by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, to tackle violence and reduce harm. All the knives and weapons deposited into the knife bins are destroyed.
After the installation of the latest bins the region will have 23 weapon surrender bins across Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country and Coventry.
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, including West Midlands police, the Violence Reduction Partnership and Wolverhampton and Dudley councils.
Knife crime has more than doubled across the West Midlands since 2012.
Jason Connon, who helps run the Justice for Ryan Campaign group, says the figures 'speak for themselves.'
The West Midlands Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Tom McNeil, said: “These bins are just one measure needed to get knives off our streets – alongside much earlier intervention including support for young people in difficult circumstances, and tackling big issues that drive crime such as mental ill health and addiction.
“The bins are providing people with a legal and safe way to dispose of knives which they shouldn’t be carrying. Every knife posted into a surrender bin is potentially a life saved.
“These bins prove most effective when the community wants them and the message the PCC and I have been receiving loud and clear is that more are needed.
“Knives can ruin the lives of individuals, families and entire communities. If you have a knife or any weapon, or know somebody who does, I strongly recommend you dispose of it in one of these bins.”