Anti-knife crime vigil and service takes place

The event is being held in Northampton

Knife Angel
Author: Trevor ThomasPublished 17th May 2024

A service and vigil is being held in Northamptonshire to mark the second anniversary of the Knife Angel’s visit to the county.

The giant monument made up of over 100,000 seized blades was constructed as a memorial to victims of knife crime and came here in May 2022.

A church service and vigil will feature at All Saints Church in Northampton, on May 17th, to remember those who have died through knife crime and serious violence.

It comes as Northamptonshire Police have once again been taking part in Operation Sceptre targeting the issue.

Throughout the week officers will be engaging with local communities, including young people, carrying out test purchases with retailers and taking part in targeted enforcement activity on those believed to be involved in this type of crime.

Tackling serious violence, including knife crime, is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police and although the county has seen a 16 per cent reduction in knife crime in the last two years, the Force is committed to seeing further reductions.

Detective Superintendent Andy Glenn is leading this week’s activity. He said:

“We see first-hand the devastating consequences of knife crime and are determined to do all we can to help drive down the number of incidents that take place in the county.

“This week departments from across the Force will join together to help educate, engage and enforce, working with schools, councils and charities to help deliver our message that there is simply no reason to carry a knife. It is illegal and will actually put you at greater risk of harm.”

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