Recent data reveals that close to 60,000 knives have been confiscated from public spaces since July of last year.
Advocates have hailed this as a significant accomplishment, with government officials asserting that they are progressing towards their objective of reducing knife-related offenses by 50% over the next ten years.
Statistics published by the Home Office indicate that 7,512 knives and weapons were voluntarily surrendered during a summer amnesty initiative. This adds to the 47,795 zombie-style knives and machetes turned in the previous year.
Border Force has intercepted 3,334 knives, while 618 blades were recovered through operations under the County Lines Programme.
Sandra Campbell, leading the Word 4 Weapons campaign group, commented, “Every weapon surrendered safely signifies one less potential tragedy in our neighborhoods.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, “Too many young lives are lost annually due to knife crime. This government is resolute in its commitment to cutting knife crime. While we are making headway, we will not relent until we reach our target. We will persist in our efforts to rid our streets of these weapons.”
This development follows a 5% decrease in knife-related crimes over the past year, with 51,527 knife offenses recorded in the twelve months leading up to June, compared to 54,215 in the previous year.
During the same period, there was an 18% decline in knife-related homicides. The Labour Party has pledged to slash such crimes by half within a decade.
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, established in memory of 16-year-old Ben who was fatally stabbed in 2008, welcomed the latest figures, noting, “Removing large and dangerous weapons, particularly ninja swords in significant quantities, is a noteworthy accomplishment. It represents a significant step towards enhancing street safety and safeguarding young lives from senseless violence.”
Faron Paul, founder of FazAmnesty, an organization managing knife bins and providing essential mentorship to combat knife crime, expressed, “Through collaborative efforts with local authorities and other charities, we successfully removed thousands of weapons from circulation. This underscores the effectiveness of working together.”
He added, “We are optimistic about achieving a 50% reduction in knife crime over the next decade.”
A ban on ninja swords, named Ronan’s Law in memory of murdered 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, became effective on August 1. Prior to its enforcement, surrender bins and a mobile ban were deployed in regions of London, Manchester, and the West Midlands.
Pooja, Ronan’s mother, remarked, “Substantial changes are taking place — in memory of Ronan and for the security of every young individual. I appreciate the government for
