Number of weapon surrender bins in West Midlands to double
The Police and Crime Commissioner said another 32 bins will be introduced
The number of weapon surrender bin in the West Midlands is to double under plans by the Police and Crime Commissioner to combat knife crime.
There are currently 32 across the region, with the number planned to rise to 64 in total.
The metal containers allow people to safely deposit knives and weapons.
Latest figures show between January and March, there were 1,705 weapons surrendered across the West Midlands and later destroyed.
That equates to 142 weapon deposits a week, or over 20 per day.
A recent haul included hundreds of flick knives, zombie knives, kitchen knives, knuckle dusters, machetes and even firearms.
PCC Simon Foster said: “Weapon surrender bins are continuing to have a significant impact, because they play an important part in keeping people, families, businesses and communities safe here in the West Midlands.
“I’ve witnessed the bins being cleared and the range of weapons that have been deposited and then later destroyed is truly staggering. These bins are ensuring there are fewer dangerous weapons out on the streets of the West Midlands.
“Preventing and tackling serious violence and knife crime is an absolute top priority for me as Police and Crime Commissioner, and that’s why, during Knife Crime Awareness Week (May 19-25), I’m pleased to announce this further investment to double the number of weapon surrender bins from 32 to 64.
“As I keep emphasising, every knife, blade or weapon placed in a weapon surrender bin, is potentially a life saved.”
Between January and March, a total of 415 weapons were deposited in a single bin outside the New Testament Church of God in Erdington.
The next highest bin deposit was near Morrison’s in Bilston (104), while there were 95 knives and weapons surrendered in the blue bin outside Coventry’s Central Police Station off Little Park Street.
In Wolverhampton, 91 weapons were posted in the container at St Peter’s Collegiate Church in the city centre.
Around 8,000 deadly weapons have now been destroyed through the PCC surrender scheme.