The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting a campaign calling time on knife crime.
Whilst the rate of knife crime in West Mercia is still roughly half of the rate seen nationally*, there were still 158 incidents of knife related crime, reported in a three month period**.
The force are supporting Op Sceptre, a national anti-knife crime operation. Knife bins are situated in the public area of police stations across the force giving people the opportunity to dispose of unwanted knives anonymously and knife arches are being used to detect metal at Redditch, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster train stations.
Local policing teams will also be carrying out warrants, utilising stop and search powers, carrying out enhanced patrols in hotspot areas and community weapon sweeps. They will also be talking to secondary school pupils about the dangers of knife crime.
Commissioner John Campion visited the knife arch at Kidderminster Train station, today, along with local MP Mark Garnier.
PCC John Campion said “Knife Crime is a cultural issue we need to tackle as a society. I’m pleased that the rates in West Mercia remain low, and reassured by the work to prevent knife crime in terms of education and tacking the root causes of crime, and also through the enforcement approach when incidents do occur.”
West Mercia Police Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans, said: “The areas we cover are some of the safest and the number of knife related incidents are low compared to other areas but it is important we do all we can to reduce the number even more.
“We know the devastating impact of knife crime, we know if someone carries a knife it is more likely to be used on them and they are more likely to get stabbed. Knives are the most common weapon used in killings of young people and our work to stop young people in our communities from carrying them is relentless.
“We can only tackle knife crime if we work together, police, local government, schools, colleges, court, parents, carers, families and local communities. Disposing of an unwanted knife into one of our knife bins will prevent the knife from getting into the wrong hands and being used in crime.”
Issued: Wednesday 18th September 2019
