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Number of knife disposal bins in region to double

Eleanor Lawson
BBC News, West Midlands
West Midlands PCC Simon Foster, a man with silver hair wearing a blue suit, squats next to a blue weapons disposal bin. In front of the bin is white cloth laid out on the ground with dozens of knives and weapons on it.West Midlands PCC
Simon Foster is doubling the number of weapon disposal bins in the West Midlands Police force area from 32 to 64,

The number of weapon surrender bins across the West Midlands is to double.

Simon Foster, the police and crime commisioner for the area, said he would double the number of bins from 32 to 64, "reaffirming his longstanding commitment to combat knife crime."

The West Midlands Police area has the second highest rate of knife crime in England and Wales, having previously had the highest rate.

People are able to dispose of knives and weapons in the metal containers, with 1,705 weapons surrendered in bins in the West Midlands Police area between January and March, which were later destroyed.

That equates to 142 weapon deposits a week or more than 20 per day. The recent haul included hundreds of flick knives, zombie knives, kitchen knives, knuckle dusters, machetes and even firearms.

The PCC said every knife, blade or weapon deposited in one of the bins was "potentially a life saved".

"Weapon surrender bins are continuing to have a significant impact, because they play an important part in keeping people, families, businesses and communities safe here in the West Midlands," he said.

The PCC announced the increased number of weapons bins during Knife Crime Awareness Week, taking place from Monday to Sunday.

Around 8,000 deadly weapons have now been destroyed through the PCC's surrender scheme.

West Midlands PCC Dozens of large knives, blades and swords laid out on a white blanket.West Midlands PCC
The West Midlands Police force area has the second highest rate of knife crime in England and Wales, having previously had the highest rate

The most-used weapon surrender bins in the West Midlands between January and March 2025 have been revealed as:

  • New Testament Church of God, Erdington: 415
  • Morrisons, Black Country Route, Bilston: 104
  • Coventry Central Police Station, Little Park Street: 95
  • New Testament Church of God, Lozells Road, Birmingham: 93
  • St Peter's Collegiate Church, Exchange Street, Wolverhampton: 91
  • Tesco, Town Gate Retail Park, Dudley: 90
  • Morrisons, New Road, Rubery: 86
  • Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, Solihull: 82
  • Sainsbury's, Freeth Street, Oldbury: 73
  • Duke Street, Stourbridge: 72

People can view their nearest weapon surrender bin in an interactive map on the PCC's website.

Members of the public wishing to apply to have a new bin placed locally can email [email protected].

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