Knife amnesty bins to be installed across the county

Permanent knife amnesty bins are being installed across the county in a bid to tackle knife crime.

Knife bins give communities the chance to dispose of knives anonymously and safely.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has organised the initiative in conjunction with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. It forms part of the Knife Angel’s legacy after it was hosted in the borough by the police and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council throughout October 2025.

The visit of the 27 foot national sculpture saw a month-long programme of intensive anti-violence youth engagement events within Welwyn Hatfield and across the county.

All local councils across the county have signed up to install permanent knife bins. The bins are due to be in place by Friday 3 April.

Knife bins will be in the following locations:

• Welwyn Hatfield: Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6NS (What3Words: breath.waddle.joined)
• Welwyn Hatfield: Market Place, Hatfield, AL10 0LJ (What3Words: glad.resort.twig)
• Broxbourne: Entrance to Dinant Road underpass from Stanstead Road, Hoddesdon (What3Words: adopt.clever.mugs)
• East Herts: Link Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2ES (What3Words: files.finger.tags)
• North Herts: Arena Parade car park, Letchworth Garden City (What3Words: belong.wool.tour)
• Stevenage: Fire Station, St George’s Way, SG1 1HS
• Stevenage: Church Lane South car park, Old Town (What3Words: penny.gear.clown)
• St Albans: Bricket Road car park, AL1 3JT- under ramp (What3Words: walks.tender.critic)
• Dacorum: Queensway car park, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1HR - next to the public toilet building (What3Words: fortunate.value.teach)
• Watford: Footpath between Shaftesbury Road and Beechen Grove, WD17 2NJ (What3Words: such.also.slips)
• Three Rivers: Station Approach rear car park, South Oxhey, WD19 7DT (What3Words: cover.stove.rainy)
• Hertsmere: Civic Officers car park, Borehamwood, WD6 1TJ- the behind IBIS hotel and next to the recycling/clothing banks (What3Words: washed.bend.spite)

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Pete Frost said: “We are thrilled all councils across the county have signed up to install permanent knife bins. The Knife Angel’s visit sparked important conversations across the county about tackling knife crime.  We were determined to ensure there would be lasting change, and these knife bins are just one element of this. The knife bins will help remove knives from our streets and keep communities safe.  The bins’ presence across the county is a strong message that Hertfordshire stands against knife crime and all violence.”

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “"While Hertfordshire is a safe county, one knife crime incident is one too many, which is why I funded permanent knife amnesty bins across the county. The Knife Angel's visit to Hertfordshire sparked important conversations about the impact of knife crime.  It provided an opportunity for reflection, and the knife amnesty bins are an opportunity for action.

"By providing a simple, but effective way for people to make the right choice we are tacking practical ways to reduce harm and protect our communities. Every knife removed from our streets, is one less potential victim and that's what this legacy work is all about."

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Deputy Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Executive Member for Environment said: “We were proud to have partnered with Hertfordshire Constabulary to bring the Knife Angel to Welwyn Hatfield and to Hertfordshire for the first time.  Through the installation of permanent knife bins Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and across the county, we are creating a lasting legacy that encourages people to choose lives, not knives.”

For more information about the Knife Angel’s visit to Hertfordshire, visit the Knife Angel webpage.

You can report information about knife crime online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in a new window).

In an emergency, always call 999.

The What3Words app pinpoints exact locations by dividing the world into 3m squares with unique 3-word addresses. Residents are encouraged to download the app as it can assist in getting help to you in an emergency.