College knife bin allows anonymous disposal
New College SwindonA college is hoping it can help reduce a town’s knife crime with the installation of a new amnesty bin.
Swindon's New College has worked with local anti-knife crime group Owen's World to put the bin on its North Star site where it is accessible to the public.
Another knife bin in the Penhill area of the town has so far received about 65 knives.
Organisations working with the college will also be doing educational talks on the dangers of knife crime and first aid advice.
The red metal container has written on it: "Bin your knife here without fear of prosecution" and is located next to a public path.
Shannon Oakley, safeguarding manager at the college, said: "The reason we have these bins here is in the hope that if somebody is carrying a knife they would look to use one of the amnesty bins round Swindon rather than dispose of it in a way that could cause harm."
She explained that it is not a response to any incidents in the college, but is about supporting the community.
Owen's World, set up after Owen Dunn was stabbed and killed in the town in 2022, approached the college about hosting the bin.
Joanne Davis from the group said: "They're anonymous, completely confidential. They'll be no repercussions for them [people handing in knives].”
The Penhill bin has so far mostly had kitchen knives handed in, it is not known if it is being used by teenagers or people clearing out their kitchens.
When it comes to tackling knife crime in the town, Ms Davis said: "I think we've made a dent, but it's how big a dent have we made."
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