Map shows the locations of knife amnesty bins in Sussex

One of the goals of The Argus’ Cut Knife Crime campaign is to see more knives disposed of in amnesty bins.

Between April 2023 and October 2023 this year, there have been a total of 1,273 knives, 28 other weapons and six firearms handed in using the amnesty bins.

Knife amnesty bins present a discreet way to dispose of blades with no consequences and no questions asked.

These bins are available all year round in police stations across Sussex.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Yates, force lead for op safety and violence reduction partnership, said “Knife amnesty bins offer a simple, discreet drop-off point for people who no longer want to put themselves at risk by carrying a weapon.

This article is part of our Cut Knife Crime campaign.

Our mission is to reduce knife crime and the number of people being injured and killed in stabbings through:

• Increasing the use of knife amnesty bins.
• Educating young people about knife crime and making them aware of the effects it has on not just the victim, but those around them
• Having more bleed control kits in pubs, shops and businesses

Read more about our Cut Knife Crime campaign:

• The Argus launches its Cut Knife Crime campaign

• 'I saw him take his last breath': Father of teen stabbed to death tells of his agony

• 'A real problem with many tragic consequences' - Judge on rise in knife crime

“People will often carry knives and other weapons out of fear, under the misconception that a significant number of other people are also carrying weapons. In reality only around one per cent of the national population carry knives.

“Statistically, people who carry a knife or bladed weapon are actually 70 per cent more likely to be injured by their own weapon.

“You are safer without a weapon. If you have a weapon, please do visit one of our anonymous, accessible amnesty bins to dispose of it. You could be saving your own life, while helping to keep other people safe.”