KNIFE crime in Warwickshire has risen by nearly 30 per cent in Warwickshire in the last year, revealed police as they launched a month-long blade amnesty.
There were 215 recorded knife crimes in the county from April 2016 to March 2017 – up from 168 in the previous year.
The crimes included attempted murder, threats to kill, assaults, sexual assault, rape and robbery.
Warwickshire Police’s Chief Inspector Sharon Cannings said the figures were in line with national trends.
She said: “Many of the incidents were personal disputes where offenders and victims were known to each other. Incidents where people fall victim to knife crime at the hands of a stranger are very rare.
“However, any type of knife crime has a huge impact on victims and we are committed to tackling those responsible and raising awareness of the dangers.”
Launching the knife surrender campaign, she said she wanted people who carry knives to think about the consequences.
She added: “Knife crime doesn’t just affect victims – it affects the families of victims and offenders, and has a devastating impact on the community.
“For the next four weeks people will have the opportunity to surrender those knives anonymously. The decision to do so might be the most important decision they ever make.”
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said it was important to rid Warwickshire streets of knives.
He said: “There is no circumstance where carrying a knife is acceptable. While some people wrongly perceive a knife offers them protection, in reality it only makes them more vulnerable.
“Every knife surrendered is one less that can cause death, destruction and misery. I hope anyone who owns a knife will take this opportunity to surrender their weapon and dispose of it safely.”
Until October 15, anyone can anonymously surrender a knife at Warwickshire police stations including Rugby, Leamington and Stratford.
The blades will be added to the ever-growing 26 foot-high ‘guardian angel’ sculpture at Oswestry’s British Ironwork Centre, created in memory of those who have lost their lives to knife crime.
The centre’s Clive Knowles said: “The campaign has seen over 100,000 knives taken off the streets and welded to what is also known as ‘the national monument against violence and aggression.’”
