Call to curb weapons and cut knife crime - Mayor Boris backs Word 4 Weapons scheme

Published: 04 February 2011
by JOANNA LEWIN

A BIN for guns and knives  in Victoria was at the centre of a drive by Boris Johnson to get people to ditch offensive weapons.

London now has 16 of the bins, the brainchild of Michael Smith, founder of the charity Word 4 Weapons. And he wants more across London.

They allow people to deposit weapons safely and without fear of reprisal.

The Mayor of London yesterday (Thursday) congratulated Mr Smith on the scheme and urged more people to take advantage of the weapons amnesty. 

He said: “You’re much more likely to be injured yourself if you carry an offensive weapon. This is a way of disposing of weapons which works with people’s desire to remain anonymous. It’s an excellent idea.”

The charity is one of several that works alongside the Met Police’s Operation Blunt team, which aims to tackle serious youth crime.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mick McNally said: “There are still too many young people being killed by knife crime and the police can’t beat it on their own. They need to be able to work with parents, local authorities and charity organisations. The bins are a really useful way for the community to be involved in the reduction in knife crime.”

The bin in Palace Street, Victoria, had three guns and some 400 knives and swords placed in it over the past year.