Knife bins installed in Ashford
Published: 27/01/2021
Two knife surrender bins have been installed in Ashford this month enabling people to dispose of a blade safely and without fear of prosecution.
One can be found in Park Mall and the other at Dover Place car park, near International House, a third will be installed once a location has been confirmed.
The three bins were purchased by Ashford Borough Council’s Community Safety Unit using funding allocated by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
The VRU is a partnership between the police, local councils, health service providers and other key agencies to deliver a reduction in violence in the county.
Following the installation of the knife bins Ashford Borough Council will be working with Kent Police to raise awareness regarding knife crime as part of a Kent-wide campaign.
Cllr Peter Feacey, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing said: “Carrying a weapon is illegal and every knife surrendered into one of our bins is one less potentially dangerous weapon on the streets. I would encourage anyone who might consider carrying one to rethink and to take advantage of these anonymous disposal bins.”
Detective Inspector Simon Johnson, of Ashford Community Safety Unit, said: 'Every knife left in one of these bins is one which cannot be used to harm or threaten victims in our community.
'I would urge anyone who has a knife in their possession, or who knows a family member or friend who may carry one, to report it or hand it in so we can continue to make the Ashford area safer.
'Levels of knife crime in Kent remain low compared to other parts of the country, but Kent Police is not complacent and is committed to dealing with the issue and removing dangerous weapons from our communities.
'We will continue to work with our partners to tackle the issue, bring offenders to justice and challenge the culture that leads to people carrying knives.'
It is illegal to carry a knife with any size blade if it is used or intended for use as a weapon. You could be arrested, taken to court and given a criminal record. The maximum penalty if you are found carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5,000.
