Page 16 - WMPF Federation JUNE-JULY 2019-flip_Neat

Powerful message Photo courtesy of Dean Wainwright Photography

Knife Angel leaves the city

he Knife Angel’s stay in Birmingham “We have seen a shocking rise in the where it should be classed as a national
has been a resounding success in number of crimes involving a knife or emergency by the government. In the
Tterms of raising awareness of the another sharp weapon and in the last West Midlands knife crime has risen by
dangers of knife crime and reminding year alone there were 50 murders in the 85 per cent since 2012 and shows no
people of the impact of violent crime, West Midlands perpetrated by people sign of abating.”
according to West Midlands Police using knives,” says Rich. And he added: “It is a similar story
Federation chair Rich Cooke. “The Knife Angel is hugely impactive across the country.”
The Knife Angel, which was in Victoria and people who have seen the sculpture Before coming to the West Midlands,
Square in the city centre from the first week during its time in Birmingham and before the Knife Angel visited Hull and
of May until 12 June, is a 27 foot sculpture that in Coventry have spoken of finding it Liverpool.
comprising of 100,000 confiscated and very moving.” For more information about the Knife
surrendered knives. It was created by artist West Midlands Police and Crime Angel, please visit the British Ironwork
Alfie Bradley and has been touring the Commissioner David Jamieson has said: Centre’s website -
country. “Knife crime has now got to the stage www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

16 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids