Council is backing a national Government campaign to reduce the number of dangerous weapons on the streets, by encouraging residents to hand them in safely and anonymously.

Starting this month, people in Croydon will have the opportunity to safely dispose of weapons, such as knives and ninja swords, with no questions asked and without fear of prosecution.

Dedicated surrender bins are located in:

  • West Croydon station car park – 10 London Road, CR0 2TA
  • Outside New Addington Library – 61 Central Parade, CR0 0JD
  • Garnet Road car park – Thornton Health, CR7 8RD
  • Croydon University Hospital car park – Thornton Heath, CR7 7YE (under installation)

A fully secure mobile van will also be at the following locations:

  • 14 July, 2.30-5pm in Central Parade, New Addington, CR0 0JB
  • 28 July, 9am-12.30pm in West Croydon station car park, CR0 2TA
  • 28 July, 1.30-5pm in Gillet Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 8RL

The Government launched the National Weapons Surrender Scheme ahead of a Ninja Sword Ban on 1 August. From August, possession of a ninja sword will be illegal, with penalties of up to six months in prison, increasing to two years under new legislation.

The FazAmnesty campaign and the charity Words4Weapons support the scheme to encourage people to anonymously and safely hand in any weapons they may have.

People can hand in weapons by wrapping them securely in a sealed bag or box and taking them directly to a surrender bin or mobile van. Ninja swords can also be taken to a police station without giving personal information.

Anyone affected by knife crime, can get support through local youth services, mentoring programmes, and community initiatives. Further information can be found here.

“We are supporting this action to remove dangerous weapons from our streets and reduce knife crime. The surrender scheme gives people in Croydon a chance to do the right thing – no questions asked. Whether it’s a knife or a ninja sword, handing it in could save a life. Carrying a knife carries a prison sentence, and now is the time to hand in your weapon anonymously. Our message is clear: carrying a weapon is never the answer.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Wayne Lindsay is the CEO and co-founder at Project for Youth Empowerment (P4YE), a key partner in Croydon’s Town Centre Taskforce, which is helping keep the borough cleaner, safer and healthier for everyone. He said: “We know that many young people want to make a change, but may feel worried about walking into a police station. These community surrender bins give people a chance to do the right thing safely and anonymously, helping to make our streets safer for everyone.”