As part of efforts to tackle knife crime, a new knife bin has been officially opened in Rubery today (Tuesday 23rd April).
Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Ashley Bertie was joined by local MP Richard Burden (Northfield, Labour) and Longbridge neighbourhood Sgt Chris Thomas to unveil the bin which is situated at the entrance to Morrisons in Rubery.
With knife crime having risen by 85% in the last 7 years, the PCC has funded two new knife bins in the West Midlands, taking the total across the region to 15.
The surrender bins are placed in response to requests from local communities, with the Rubery location being the only one in South Birmingham.
The secure containers are designed for people to safely and anonymously dispose of knives.
Commenting on the arrival of the new bin Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner, Ashley Bertie, said: “I’m very pleased we have been able to unveil two new bins in Birmingham. We have seen knife crime grow across the country and these bins are just one of the initiatives we are working on to get weapons off the streets.
“Communities in Birmingham have been asking for these bins so that they can play an active part in the fight against knife crime. Where the community wants a surrender bin, I will work with them to make that happen.
“One knife used in the West Midlands is one knife too many. And the message has to be very, very clear: Knives have no police in the West Midlands and we must do everything we possibly can to get the weapons off our streets and protect people in the West Midlands.
“We need everybody – whether it be our politicians, our local people – everybody to work together.”
Mr Bertie said that he believed people wanted to get rid of their weapons. He said: “I firmly believe that people don’t want to carry knives, they don’t want to carry guns. These weapons surrender bins are for those people that choose to give them to those bins, in a safe manner, and get these weapons off our streets.”
MP for Northfield Richard Burden said: “It’s one measure [..] to tackle knife crime – but it’s an important one. Every one person who deposits a knife in this box – or one of the other 15 across the West Midlands – is one more person who says that knives have no place on our streets. One more person who understands that if you carry a knife for your own protection, you’re just deluding yourself. You’re facing a lengthy prison sentence, and not only that, it’s actually dangerous to you – that knife can be used against you. Anything that gets that message across is very important.”
Recognising the work of the PCC and organisations trying to tackle knife crime, Mr Burden said: “It’s really important that Government steps up to the plate as well. They need to put more money into the police, there’s no question about that, but also they need to fund […] diversionary activities.
Highlighting the loss of 2000 across the West Midlands Police force since 20010, Mr Burden added: “Everybody’s got a role to play in tackling knife crime – the community’s got a role to play, schools have got a role to play, parents have got a role to play, politicians have got a role to play and crucially, the police have got a role to play as well.”
There are now 15 bins installed across Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country. The PCC wants to see at least one in every local authority across the West Midlands.
Some of the other measures which the PCC is implementing to tackle violent crime include; gang mediators working to diffuse tension in communities, youth workers being placed in A&E departments to identify at risk young people and funding or diversionary activities for young people.
As well the knife bin in Rubery another weapon surrender bin has also been opened at Ghamkol Sharif Mosque in Small Heath.
Superintendent Sarah Burton from Birmingham East said: “This is a really welcome initiative, which will help the police in Birmingham tackle the growing problem of knife crime.
“No-one should be carrying knives; however it is important for people to know there are safe places to dispose of them before they are used to commit a crime or cause an injury.
“Sadly, knives are very easy to obtain. We have to ensure that people, particularly young people, are aware that if they carry a knife then it could be used against them.
“Alongside encouraging the disposal of knives, I would ask the public to give us any information that might help us to protect Birmingham’s young people and I would urge them to contact us on 101 or through Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Young people wanting to find out more about knife crime, get advice or report crime can visit www.fearless.org
The Rubery knife surrender bin is in the recycling area at the entrance of Morrisons in Rubery. The fun list of 15 knife bin locations across the West Midlands can be found here.
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