Priti Patel MP with from left PC Marsay-Harris, PC Aston Scott, and Sgt Stephen Mugridge at the Knife Amnesty held at the Witham Hub on Saturday.
Priti Patel MP visits Knife Crime Amnesty Event in Witham
Local MP, Priti Patel, visited the Witham Hub in the Grove Centre, Witham on Saturday 21st May, to support a Knife Crime Amnesty organised by Essex Police, taking place during their regular Police Surgery. The event is part of a County wide Knife Amnesty campaign by Essex Police
The campaign, running between 9th and 22nd May, has included the roll-out of new amnesty bins in 14 locations across the County. Under the amnesty, anyone wishing to dispose of bladed weapons can do so safely and without fear of being prosecuted. The major priority of the campaign is to take as many knives as possible off the streets of Essex.
During her visit, Priti talked to all the officers and volunteers taking part and was shown a knife arch, which is used by the police to scan people for hidden weapons.
Priti said: “I was pleased to be able support local police officers today as part of the campaign to remove knives from our streets and, as a result, reduce the amount of violent crime. It was also a useful opportunity to catch up with the local team to hear about how the amnesty is going and to listen to their frontline experiences. The Government takes this issue very seriously and has made £130 million available this year to tackle serious violence, including murder and knife crime.”
Police Sergeant Stephen Mugridge, leading the team from Essex Police at the Witham Hub, said: “It was a pleasure to meet and talk to Priti about the amnesty and what we have been able to achieve. Her interest and support for this important campaign is greatly appreciated.”
The visit was arranged in co-operation with the Witham Hub and Essex Police.
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