Knife Amnesty Bin installed in Kennington

As part of a wider campaign, and in partnership Kennington Community Council, a knife surrender bin has been installed at the Bockhanger shops in Kennington enabling people to dispose of a blade safely and without fear of prosecution.

This is the fourth bin to be installed in Ashford (previous ones which have been installed can be found in Park Mall, at Dover Place car park, near International House, and Stanhope).

The four bins were purchased by Ashford Borough Council’s Community Safety Unit using funding allocated by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). The VRU is a partnership between the police, local councils, health service providers and other key agencies to deliver a reduction in violence in the county.

It is illegal to carry a knife with any size blade if it is used or intended for use as a weapon. You could be arrested, taken to court and given a criminal record. The maximum penalty if you are found carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5,000.

This new bin will enable those carrying a blade to dispose of it anonymously and safely.