Leeds set to get ‘no questions asked’ knife surrender bins in bid to reduce violent crime

Leeds is among eight Yorkshire cities and towns set to receive new knife surrender bins in a bid to make neighbourhoods safer and reduce knife crime.

The Home Office-funded scheme follows the removal of more than 15,000 weapons nationwide and aims to encourage people to hand in knives anonymously before they can be used in violent crime.

The surrender bins and van operate on a ‘no questions asked’ basis to encourage people who may otherwise be reluctant to handover their weapons in fear of the consequences.

The weapons, which must be wrapped and sealed in a box or bag will be disposed of safely and securely.

Earlier this year the YEP revealed that children as young as 12 were arrested for possession of a knife, blade or sharply pointed article by Leeds District Police in 2023, 2024 and 2025, while the youngest person arrested so far in 2026 was just 13.

The data further revealed that, between January 2023 and the start of April 2026, 335 young men, aged 13-21, were arrested for possession of an article with a blade or point in Leeds, while 24 young women were arrested during the same time period.

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE said: "Every knife surrendered through these bins is a weapon that can no longer devastate a family, shatter a young person's future, or bring tragedy to a community.

“We’ve seen the heartbreaking impact that knife crime can have on victims, loved ones and neighbourhoods across the region, and we must do everything we can to prevent that harm from happening in the first place.

“These bins provide a safe way for people to dispose of knives and make a positive choice.

“If even one life is saved as a result, then it will have made a real difference. Together, we can help create safer communities where everyone feels protected and able to thrive."

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council's deputy leader and executive member for communities and community safety, warned the city takes knife crime and violence “seriously”.

Coun Harland added: "Knife crime is a serious issue all across the country and it has a devastating impact on people, families and communities.

"As a city we take knife crime and all violence very seriously and it’s something we and our partners work hard to address with young people and their parents or guardians.

"I would urge anyone who is in possession of a knife or a bladed weapon to please do the right thing and dispose of it, to protect themselves and others."

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said: "Every dangerous weapon that has been surrendered so far is a weapon off our streets and a community made that little bit safer.

“That’s why we're going further and making it easier for more people in more places to do the right thing and hand over their knives. “