Knife-enabled homicides falls as more than 15,000 weapons surrendered through government amnesty scheme
Knife-related violence has shown signs of improvement across England and Wales, with new government figures indicating that knife-enabled homicides have fallen to their lowest level in more than three decades while thousands of dangerous weapons have been removed from circulation through a national surrender programme.
According to the Home Office, knife-enabled homicides have dropped by 26%, while overall knife crime has fallen by 11% under the current government. Ministers say the figures reflect a wider strategy combining tougher enforcement with prevention measures and expanded opportunities for people to safely dispose of weapons.
Since July last year, more than 14,500 knives and bladed weapons have been deposited in Home Office-funded surrender bins managed by the charity Word 4 Weapons. The collection includes zombie-style knives, ninja swords, machetes, swords and kitchen knives. A further 783 weapons were handed in through a mobile surrender van operated by FazAmnesty during last summer’s dedicated campaign.
The anonymous surrender scheme is now being expanded, with eight additional collection bins being introduced across South and West Yorkshire. Meanwhile, the mobile surrender vehicle will visit communities across the West Midlands before travelling to London, where it is scheduled to stop in 24 boroughs during August.
Locations for both the fixed surrender bins and mobile collection points have been selected alongside police, violence reduction partnerships and community safety organisations to target areas most affected by serious violence. Weapons can be handed in without providing personal details, provided they are securely wrapped before being deposited for safe destruction.
The initiative forms part of the wider package of reforms introduced under Ronan’s Law, named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was killed in 2022 with a ninja sword purchased online. The legislation, introduced following campaigning by his mother, Pooja Kanda, strengthens controls on the online sale of dangerous weapons and closes loopholes that previously allowed prohibited blades to be purchased more easily.
Alongside weapon surrender schemes, the government says it will continue expanding police patrols, CCTV coverage, live facial recognition technology and knife detection arches in violence hotspots. Youth intervention programmes, mentoring schemes and Young Futures hubs are also intended to reduce the number of young people becoming involved in knife crime.
People wishing to surrender knives or weapons can find participating locations and guidance on safe transport through GOV.UK.
What do you think is the most effective way to reduce knife crime in London, stronger enforcement, youth intervention, or tougher controls on weapon sales? Join the conversation in the comments and read more London news and public safety coverage at EyeOnLondon.
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