Weapons-for-Bibles scheme rolls out across the capital

“Knife bins are making a difference and helping to prevent youth crime,” practising Christian Michael Smith said at the launch of his new weapons disposal scheme, Word 4 Weapons, last week.

This charitable initiative focuses on encouraging young people to get rid of their weapons and embrace a positive lifestyle.

Smith was inspired to do something to stem the increasing numbers of stabbings and killings amongst young people across the UK and as a result founded the charitable organisation Word 4 Weapons in 2007.

In partnership with The Salvation Army Trading Company, Ascension Trust, Christian Police Association, churches of varying denominations and others, Word 4 Weapons ran a pilot project last year placing knife bins across London where people could dispose of their weapons. In exchange they would receive a trendy bag called ‘All I Need’ which contains a bible, Cops and Robbers comic, book of help plus much more to help them positively turn their lives around.

Word 4 Weapons now has 10 knife bins strategically placed in the London boroughs of Islington, Southwark, Ealing, Lambeth, Hounslow, Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Westminster.

It is Word 4 Weapon’s vision that a further 10 bins will be in place across London by the end of this year.

Smith shared his desire for Word 4 Weapons to reach everyone: “When I turn on the news I see people of different races, faiths and cultures that have been affected by knife crime. That is why this needs to reach out to all people.”

Inspector Mark Clarkson, formerly of Operation Blunt was also present at the event. He shared, “Word 4 Weapons gives a great opportunity for weapons to be exchanged as opposed to normal amnesties where knives and guns are handed in and there is nothing left to fill the void.

"Word 4 Weapons is unique in that it provides young people with the information needed to get out of a life of crime, drugs and get good jobs. It also provides an opportunity for more people to actively get involved in reducing knife and gun crime, as it is led by the community and not the police.”

Bob Jandoo, President of The Lions Club, Seven Kings, presented Word 4 Weapons with a cheque of more than £1,000 to sponsor the knife bin in Redbridge.

To date, the knife bins have collected over 500 weapons, some of which have been melted down and made into pieces of art as well as key-shaped awards to present to young people who have turned their lives around.

The launch was joined by the Rev Les Isaac, founder of Street Pastors, Commander David Chinchen, Met Police Operation Blunt 2, Sultan Taylor, Borough Commander of Ealing, and the Rev Rosemary Mallett, vicar of St John The Evangelist Church, Brixton.