GMP supports national knife surrender scheme with new bin and visit from UK’s first mobile surrender van
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is supporting a national knife surrender scheme by introducing a new knife surrender bin in Wigan and hosting the UK's first mobile surrender van. The initiative, funded by the Home Office and supported by Words4Weapons and Fazamnesty, aims to reduce knife crime by allowing anonymous surrender of bladed weapons, including soon-to-be-banned ninja swords. The mobile van will visit multiple locations in Wigan, Rochdale, and Leigh on July 3 and 4. GMP and local officials emphasize the importance of removing knives from streets to prevent violence. Compensation is available for surrendering ninja swords before the August 1 ban.
Greater Manchester Launches New Knife Surrender Initiative
Greater Manchester has become the first area in the UK to receive a government-funded knife surrender bin and a mobile surrender van as part of a national effort to remove dangerous weapons from the streets.
The fixed surrender bin, provided by the charity Words4Weapons in partnership with the Home Office, is now located at Queen Street, Pemberton, Wigan (WN5 0BL). Members of the public can anonymously deposit any bladed item, including ninja swords, which will be prohibited nationwide from 1 August.
In addition, a mobile surrender van will tour four locations across Greater Manchester on 3 and 4 July. The van will stop at:
-
3 July
- Darnhill Library & Community Café, Argyle Parade, OL10 3RY (9.30 am - 12.30 pm)
- Riverside, Smith Street Car Park, Rochdale, OL16 1XU (2 pm - 6 pm)
-
4 July
- Market Street, Wigan Town Centre, WN1 1PE (9 am - 12 pm)
- Home Bargains, Bradshawgate, Leigh, WN7 4NP (2 pm - 6 pm)
Anti-knife campaigner and Fazamnesty CEO Faron Paul will accompany the van, offering reassurance and information to anyone who wishes to surrender a weapon. No personal details are required, and all items are accepted safely and discreetly.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Thompson of GMP’s Op Venture knife-crime team urged residents to use the facilities:
“Every knife removed is a potential life saved. If you own a blade you no longer want, please use the bin or van—no questions will be asked.”
Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, added:
“Each weapon handed in makes our neighbourhoods safer. I encourage anyone with a knife at home to take this chance to dispose of it anonymously.”
Faron Paul emphasised the community focus:
“This van brings the surrender scheme to people’s doorsteps, building trust and reducing violence. Thank you to everyone supporting safer streets.”
Ahead of the 1 August ninja-sword ban, limited compensation is available for these weapons if taken to designated police stations. After that date, possession becomes illegal and carries a possible prison sentence.
For full details of the surrender and compensation scheme, or to locate your nearest permanent knife bin, visit www.gmp.police.uk/ninjasword.
To report someone carrying or storing knives, contact police via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk, call 101 (999 in an emergency), or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Young people can also speak to Fearless (www.fearless.org) for confidential help.
Source: Read original article