Knife crime

Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police are working in partnership to tackle knife crime in Reading.

Six community knife amnesty bins have been placed across neighbourhood areas of Reading for members of the public to safely dispose of any knives and bladed articles.

The secure amnesty bins, which will be bolted to walls and concrete flooring, have a letter box design to allow knife deposits whilst stopping people reaching inside the bins. They will be closely monitored, and regularly emptied with the contents carefully disposed of.

You can find these bins in the following locations:

• Waitrose Car Park, Caversham
• Cintra Park
• Coley Park Community Centre
• Kensington Park
• Orts Road
• Tilehurst Triangle

What is knife crime?

Knife crime is a crime that involves a knife and includes:

• carrying a knife
• trying to buy a knife if you are under 18
• threatening someone with a knife
• owning a banned knife
• injuring or fatally wounding somebody with a knife
• intent to injure or harm somebody with a knife
• a robbery or burglary where a knife was carried as a weapon

The devastating effects of knife crime

Watch this video to hear the thoughts from Olly Stephens’ parents, Amanda and Stuart, and their poignant views on knives, knife crime and how it has affected their lives forever.

 Some viewers may find the content upsetting.

Need help and support?

There is lots of help and support out there, including:

Childline

You can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 at any time if you are worried about your own safety or think that someone you know is carrying or even using a knife.

Crimestoppers

If you have information about knife crime in your area and you are nervous about going to the police, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website. They will never ask for your name or try to trace the number that you are calling from.

Victims First

Have you been a victim of crime? Victims First provides free emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime as well as family members of victims. You can call Victims First on 0300 1234 148 or complete their online referral form.

If you are concerned about knife related crime in your area, please call Thames Valley Police on 101 or report online via the Thames Valley Police website. Always dial 999 if you are worried someone is at risk. The police are there to help and keep you safe.