Merton Council is working with local police during Peace Week to offer people the chance to surrender their knives and do their bit to ensure Merton is a safe borough to live in.

Police have set up special bins where people can place their knives – safely wrapped in cardboard – so they can be disposed of. These are based at Mitcham Police Station, Morden Police Office and Wimbledon Police Station, until Monday 22 September.

Larger bins have been placed in Sibford Car Park, off Holborn Way, and York Close car park, in Morden Town Centre, until 12 December.

Chief Inspector Mark Payne said: “During this week of peace we want to give people the opportunity to surrender their knives. We know a small minority of people carry knives. There is a belief that a knife can be used to protect yourself but, unfortunately, that same knife could be turned on you.

“Remember, a split second decision to take a knife out can have lasting consequences for the carrier, causing distress and disruption to their family, going to prison and being haunted by the pain they have caused their victim and the victim’s family. The message is clear – carry a knife and the consequences will follow.”

Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement Councillor Tariq Ahmad said: “Knives are extremely dangerous weapons and we are fully committed to working with the police to make the knife surrender programme a success. This is a vital part of helping to make sure Merton remains a safe place for everyone who lives here.

“The message is simple – knives can kill and now is the time to give up such weapons to ensure that we eradicate the risk which these weapons pose.”
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