Knife crime in Merseyside decreased by more than 50% last month.
The figures come after the region played host to the Knife Angel, made from more than 100,000 weapons surrendered in knife amnesties across the UK.
The sculpture is designed to raise awareness and get people of all ages talking about the impact of knife crime on local communities.
It attracted tens of thousands of visitors during its month-long stay in Birkenhead Park, with Merseyside Police reporting a reduction of 54% in the number of offences involving a knife in July compared to the previous month.
A total of 350 knives have also been taken off the streets of Merseyside over the course of July as part of a weapons amnesty launched on the back of the Knife Angel’s installation. Although the sculpture has now departed Wirral, it is hoped its visit will have a lasting impact on the region.
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Wirral Council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: “It has been a great privilege for Wirral Council to host the Knife Angel for the last month. I’d like to thank Alfie Bradley for creating such an iconic national symbol against violence and aggression; we have seen first-hand how it has stimulated conversations in households, classrooms and workplaces across our borough. Those conversations - and the many posts on social media – all help to spread the anti-violence message far and wide.
“It will move on to the next town now, but the legacy it leaves in Wirral will last a lot longer as so many people have reflected on the futility of violence and the tragedy and grief it causes.
“I’d like to say thank you and well done to community safety partners across the borough, who have joined together with a range of other organisations to deliver an outstanding programme of related events and activities to communicate what the Knife Angel stands for; from football tournaments in Beechwood and Leasowe, a candlelit vigil led by Tomorrow’s Women Wirral, sessions from Tranmere Rovers in the Community, multiple schools visits, a Community Day in Birkenhead Park or any number of youth diversionary sessions.”
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell added: “For the last month, the Knife Angel’s presence in Birkenhead has been a catalyst for a real dialogue about the work we undertake to tackle the scourge of knife crime.
“It has also acted as a powerful call to action, inspiring a whole range of events and activities for people of all ages, but particularly young people focused on raising awareness of the dangers posed by knives, as well as helping to remove a large number of weapons from our streets.
“We all have a part to play in tackling knife crime – Government, councils, the police, communities, schools and individuals. I truly hope the conversations which are happening now will continue, so we can reduce the use of knives in our communities and prevent future tragedies.
“I’d like to thank Clive Knowles from the British Ironworks for making all of this possible and everyone at Wirral Council, Merseyside Police and all the community safety partners who made this campaign such a success.”
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