Sceptre: Through heartbreak comes hope as Heywood officers introduce external amnesty bins
Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale police stations have introduced permanent external amnesty bins for anonymous knife disposal, funded by Rochdale Borough Council. The initiative, led by PCSO Jenny George, was inspired by the tragic murder of 17-year-old Callum Riley in 2022. The bins have already doubled the number of knives collected compared to the previous single indoor bin. The project is supported by Callum's family and includes community engagement efforts like a short film and VR programmes in schools to combat knife crime.
Knife Amnesty Bins Double Surrenders in Rochdale After Teen’s Murder
Three permanent knife amnesty bins installed outside Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale police stations have collected 119 blades in their first three months—double the quarterly average previously seen with just one indoor bin at Rochdale station.
The outdoor disposal units, funded by Rochdale Borough Council and championed by Police Community Support Officer Jenny George, emerged from community grief following the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Callum Riley in September 2022. His killers received sentences in June 2024.
“Knife crime is a significant issue that affects so many people, so providing a safe space for those to anonymously use it means that if it prevents further violence and protects someone from the devastating effects it is well worth it,” PCSO George said as the bins became operational. Callum’s family, particularly his mother, endorsed the initiative hoping “something good” would arise from their loss.
The custom-built containers feature closed chutes wide enough for any blade, non-magnetic lips to prevent retrieval, and regular emptying schedules. Before their introduction, officers averaged 60 knives surrendered quarterly at the single indoor receptacle.
Councillor Daalat Ali, deputy leader for public health and communities, noted the council received 1,200 youth responses to a knife-crime survey that also shaped a short film “Silence the Violence” and a virtual-reality education programme now delivered in borough schools. “Working together with GMP on a number of engagement events around knife crime and amnesty projects means that we are nearer to achieving this aim” of creating safer communities, Ali said.
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