Knife amnesty boxes installed across Rochdale borough

The boxes have been installed outside Heywood Police Station, Middleton Police Station, and Rochdale Police Station.

The Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team, in collaboration with the Rochdale Community Safety Team, has launched three new permanent knife amnesty boxes.

The boxes have been installed outside three key police stations across the borough: Heywood Police Station, Middleton Police Station, and Rochdale Police Station.

While the bins currently appear plain, an artist is working with local youth groups to create vibrant, meaningful designs for them.

The initiative, part of the ongoing 'Forever Amnesty', aims to provide residents with a safe, anonymous way to dispose of knives. Many knives are held without malicious intent – often in ignorance of their illegality – or because people simply do not know how or where to dispose of old kitchen knives.

Residents are encouraged to surrender any type of knife, with no questions asked. The process is completely anonymous, and no personal details are required.

Knives can be deposited in the amnesty bins outside the police stations without the need to enter the building or speak with an officer. Members of the public can simply lift the yellow chute and place the knife inside.

Inspector Cooke of Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasised the importance of the initiative in tackling knife crime in the community. They said: "This is a vital community facility. In order to reduce knife crime, we must all work together and dispose of our knives and weapons safely and securely."

They also urged people to ensure that any knives they surrender are packaged properly to ensure safety: "You must take all reasonable steps to make any items you are surrendering safe to handle while travelling to the police station, and also while being handled by police staff.

"Items must be packaged in a manner that allows them to be transported without causing distress or alarm to other members of the public. Please place them in a sealed bag or box; they must not be carried openly at any time."

The knife amnesty bins are available all year round, allowing the community to dispose of knives at a time that is convenient for them, with no fear of prosecution.