A national scheme offering an amnesty to anyone who gives up their dangerous, bladed weapons has been welcomed by community workers, who say that the surrender bins at four locations around Croydon offer people a chance to change.

Safe option: the surrender bins are available at four locations around the borough

“Young people want to make a change, but may feel worried about walking into a police station,” according to Wayne Lindsay, co-founder of the Project for Youth Empowerment based in Croydon.

“These community surrender bins give people a chance to do the right thing safely and anonymously, helping to make our streets safer for everyone.”

The dangerous weapons amnesty is operating throughout July, ahead of a ninja sword ban that comes in on August 1, when possession of such bladed weapons will be illegal, with penalties of up to six months in prison.

In Croydon, special bins are being provided to safely dispose of weapons, such as knives and ninja swords, with no questions asked and without fear of prosecution.

Croydon’s surrender bins are located at

• West Croydon station car park – 10 London Road, CR0 2TA
• 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

A mobile van will also be at the following locations:

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

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 by clicking here

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