STORY
In a bid to halve knife crime within a decade, the Home Office today announced its most ambitious weapons surrender initiative yet, partnering with the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime to bring “amnesty on wheels” directly to high-risk communities. Throughout July, anti-knife-crime campaigner Faron Paul will drive a purpose-built, fully secured “amnesty van” across London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, urging young people to hand in knives and other offensive weapons safely and anonymously. The scheme also expands fixed surrender points, with 37 new secure bins to be installed in those three regions in partnership with the charity Words4Weapons.
Policing and Crime Minister Dame Diana Johnson said the plan “is rooted in partnership with those who have first-hand experience of this devastating crime,” praising Faron Paul and Sandra Campbell of Words4Weapons for their leadership. “We know young people involved in crime often mistrust authority,” she added. “This collaboration gives them a discreet, no-questions-asked way to surrender weapons, helping to keep our streets safer.”
Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, described the amnesty van as “a symbol of hope, change and second chances” and welcomed the Home Office’s backing to “take our mission directly to the people.” Sandra Campbell, CEO of Words4Weapons, said the new bins will “provide communities with safe and anonymous disposal options” reinforcing neighbourhood trust and removing dangerous items from streets.
As part of the scheme, anyone handing in prohibited ninja swords—banned in their entirety from 1 August—can receive modest compensation by delivering them to designated police stations before the ban takes effect. After 1 August, possession of these weapons will carry custodial penalties. These measures form part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which combines community-led initiatives with legislative reform, such as expanding surrender options, strengthening penalties for illegal weapons and funding youth outreach to tackle knife crime at its roots. The surrender van and new bins will operate all month long, giving local residents multiple safe avenues to dispose of weapons without fear of arrest.