More than 14,500 knives and other weapons have been collected through a government-supported knife amnesty scheme since July last year, according to the Home Office. The initiative aims to reduce the availability of dangerous weapons on the streets and improve community safety.

The campaign includes surrender bins placed across multiple cities, initially supported with 37 bins in London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands. Recently, the Home Office added eight new bins in South and West Yorkshire, covering areas such as Barnsley, Leeds, Sheffield, and Wakefield. These additions bring the total number of permanent bins to 45. In addition to the static bins, a mobile surrender van operated by the charity Fazamnesty has collected a further 783 weapons.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones emphasized that each knife handed in helps make communities safer. She stated that the government is expanding the programme to make it easier for more people to surrender weapons without fear of repercussions, as the scheme operates on a “no questions asked” basis. Jones highlighted the broader context of falling knife crime rates in England, noting an 11% decline in overall knife crime since the general election in July 2024. Knife-enabled robberies have decreased by 16%, while knife-related homicides have dropped by 26%. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to halving knife crime within a decade.

The campaign has received support from families affected by knife violence. Pooja Kanda, whose 16-year-old son Ronan was fatally attacked with a ninja sword near their home in Wolverhampton in 2022, welcomed the progress. She described the scheme as an important measure that offers individuals a safe and anonymous option to surrender weapons. Kanda also campaigned for “Ronan’s Law,” which introduced a ban on ninja swords and certain types of knives with specific blade designs and lengths.

Critics and advocates alike acknowledge that while the amnesty bins contribute to reducing the presence of dangerous weapons, knife crime remains a multifaceted issue requiring ongoing efforts. Supporters of the programme view it as a practical step toward preventing further harm, especially among young people, by providing accessible and confidential means to dispose of knives.

The Home Office and partner charities continue to monitor the initiative’s effectiveness as part of a wider strategy to address violent crime and improve public safety across England.