More than 500 knives disposed of in knife bin based at Waterfoot Police Station

Friday, 9 October 2026 10:37

By Central Radio News

534 knives have been disposed of in the knife bin based at Waterfoot Police Station in the past three months.

The number included machetes, kitchen knives, and throwing knives, but also items considered less dangerous, including pizza cutters and meat forks. The bins, which are located across Lancashire, are a safe way to dispose of any bladed and sharp items.

Serious Violence Sergeant Mick Johnson said: “We’re thankful to all residents in Lancashire who choose to dispose of these items responsibly, with more than 500 bladed weapons and items now safely off our streets and out of our communities, and no longer at risk of causing harm. We are constantly working hard to combat knife crime in our county through Sceptre, and the knife bins are a key part of our work.

“While many of the items disposed of in our knife bins are dangerous weapons, you can also use these knife bins to get rid of any bladed items, including your kitchen knives and other tools, to prevent injury and keep unwanted blades out of our communities.”

Sceptre is Lancashire's coordinated response to knife crime, combining enforcement, education and prevention activity, working with partners through the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, supported by Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, added: "Every knife surrendered is one less blade that could be misused or cause harm. I want to thank everyone who has used the Waterfoot knife bin responsibly and helped make their community safer.

"Preventing knife crime is not just about enforcement. It's about reducing opportunities for harm before incidents happen. Knife bins provide a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted blades, helping to remove potential weapons from circulation and preventing them from ending up in the wrong hands.

"Through my Violence Reduction Network, we are working closely with partners to tackle the root causes of violence and support early intervention and prevention activity across Lancashire. Knife bins are an important part of that approach, helping us reduce risk, prevent harm and keep Lancashire a safe place to live and work.’’