Britain Tries 'Amnesty Bins' to Fight Knife Crime

Move part of efforts to control knife-related violence after teen's stabbing attack in 2024

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HINDHEAD, England – A year after one of Britain's most harrowing knife attacks, the government is urging young people to drop off bladed weapons at "amnesty bins" or mobile vans in a month-long campaign – part of efforts to control knife-related violence, particularly when it involves youth.

On July 29, 2024, teenager Axel Rudakubana, who was obsessed with violence and genocide, attacked a Taylor Swift-themed children's dance event in the northern English town of Southport, killing three girls and stabbing 10 other people.

Since then, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government has pledged tougher age checks for knife buyers, warned social media firms they could face fines for failing to curb sales and promotion of weapons, and banned zombie-style knives and ninja swords.

Mr. Starmer launched a coalition in September 2024 aimed at tackling youth knife crime.

Actor and anti-knife campaigner Idris Elba joined the conversation at a meeting in July, alongside King Charles.

Charities and experts interviewed by Reuters call the government's efforts a step forward but say they largely fail to address the root causes.

Some charities involved in classes and workshops aimed at young people are urging the government to make such education part of the national curriculum.

Overall, knife crime in England and Wales has risen 87 percent over the past decade, with 54,587 offences in 2024 alone, a 2 percent rise from 2023 and among the highest rates in Europe, figures from Britain's Interior Ministry show.

It did not provide a breakdown of knife crime offences by age group.