‘We’re binning the blades’: Killing tools turned into medals of honour

Published: 9 April 2010
by PETER GRUNER

A REMARKABLE ex­periment in Islington to stop murder on the streets by encouraging people to “hand in” knives has proved so successful it is being launched nationwide.

All Saints Church in King’s Cross provided a secure knife bin outside its premises, in Caledonian Road last April in the wake of a series of ­tragic murders on the streets of the borough.

Although police stations have offered similar weapons amnesties from time to time, it was the first time in Britain that a non-police venue was used for the scheme.

More than 100 knives were deposited at the church over 12 months, averaging at about two a week.

Father-of-three Reverend Martyn Saunders, 41, decided his church would be the first to establish the knife bin last year. It followed a talk by Michael Smith, the founder of London-based Christian charity Word 4 Weapons, who was seeking a church to pilot the scheme.

Rev Saunders said: “There have been a lot of terrible knife killings in the borough. 

“This is an opportun­ity to reach out to people carrying knives and show them there is another way.”

He acknowledged that two knives a week may not seem like a lot: but it still meant two lethal weapons were off the streets – and out of harm’s way – each week.

Rev Saunders added: “People carry knives for self defence or because they want to appear tough. They need to realise that it only takes an argument that gets out of hand and suddenly someone is injured or dying. The person wielding the knife then faces a very long time in prison. It’s just not worth it.”

Since All Saints launched the scheme another eight knife bins have been established in London, including one outside at St Mark’s church at Tollington Park, Islington.

Police collect the knives, which will eventually be melted down and turned into medals and awards. These will be presented by Word 4 Weapons to former criminals who have managed to “turn their lives around”.

Michael Smith thanked the Islington Tribune for publicising the scheme at an event in October last year.

Word 4 Weapons are holding a nationwide launch on June 1 at the South West Gallery in Victoria where venues up and down the country will be invited to establish knife bins.