In light of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s announcement on 19 May 2025 regarding the expansion of the region’s weapon surrender programme, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West and Shirley, has formally written to the PCC to request the installation of a surrender bin in Shirley.
The initiative will see an additional 32 weapon surrender bins deployed across the West Midlands. Between January and March 2025 alone, more than 1,700 weapons were voluntarily surrendered by the public using these secure and anonymous drop-off points. Whilst this measure represents significant progress in combatting violent crime, there remains a clear gap in coverage within the Solihull area – particularly in Shirley.
With a population approaching 40,000, Shirley lacks a dedicated surrender facility. Potential locations such as Shirley High Street or Parkgate have been identified as suitable due to their accessibility and visibility.
In his letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Shastri-Hurst wrote:
One of my foremost responsibilities as the Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley is to help ensure that our neighbourhoods are safe and secure. Sadly, knife crime continues to cast a long shadow over the West Midlands, which still records the second highest rate of knife-related offences in England and Wales. This is not just a statistic – it reflects real tragedies, affecting families and communities in ways that are both painful and enduring.
He continued:
We cannot and should not accept this as the status quo. That is why I believe we need to take sensible, practical steps to make a real difference. One such measure is the wider installation of weapon surrender bins, which allow individuals to safely and anonymously dispose of knives and other dangerous items. These bins have proven to be an effective part of a broader strategy to reduce violent crime and keep our streets safer.
Dr Shastri-Hurst’s appeal reflects his continued commitment to enhancing community safety and supporting practical interventions to reduce the prevalence of knife crime. His proposal aims to ensure that residents in Shirley are not left behind as efforts to tackle violent crime intensify across the West Midlands.
Members of the public wishing to request the placement of a surrender bin in their local area are encouraged to contact the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office by emailing [email protected].
