New knife amnesty bin installed in Newmarket
It allows people carrying bladed weapons to surrender them safely, securely and anonymously
A knife amnesty bin has been installed in Newmarket.
Located in Exning Street, outside the leisure centre, it allows people carrying bladed weapons to surrender them safely, securely and anonymously.
It was installed as part of a national, week-long campaign to help reduce knife crime and serious violence through education, engagement, prevention and enforcement.
"Carrying a knife or any other weapon does not keep you safe"
Sergeant Jamie Vincent said: “Carrying a knife or any other weapon does not keep you safe; instead it puts you and other lives’ at greater risk of injury and violence.
“This week we are highlighting the work we do year-round with partners, educating settings, community groups and businesses to understand how we can tackle the root causes of knife crime and associated criminality to ensure our local communities remain safe.
“Reducing the accessibility of knives is key and the sale of knives online is currently being examined by the Home Office.
"It is illegal to sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18 and officers will also be visiting local retailers this week to remind them of their responsibility around the safe sale of knives.
“Suffolk Constabulary will continue to take robust action to those who break the law and remain committed to proactively tackling knife crime and violent offending.”
There are now 10 knife amnesty bins in Suffolk:
- Three in Ipswich - Alderman Park, Queen’s Way and Bramford Road
- Lowestoft police station
- Bury St Edmunds police station
- Sudbury police station
- Haverhill police station
- Mildenhall emergency services hub
- Stowmarket emergency hub
- Newmarket (Exning Road)