Measures to tackle knife crime will be put in today at Birmingham New Street Station
Birmingham New Street Station’s Eastern Plaza
West Midlands Police was today due to put up knife arches in Birmingham New Street station to help catch people carrying weapons.
The move is part of Operation Active with 150 extra police officers in the city centre to tackle issues such as knife crime, violence against women and girls, and youth disorderly behaviour.
It follows a wave of knife crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre. At least 12 people have been stabbed in or around Birmingham city centre this year and just last week, three men in their 20s suffered stab wounds.
Birmingham New Street Station’s Eastern Plaza
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Det Chief Insp John Askew said: “If you’re carrying a knife, you’re more likely to be a victim. We stop a lot of people who have no involvement in gangs and were carrying a knife because they think that’s the only way to stay safe.
“They tend to be quite innocent. I just want to make sure they don’t carry a knife because if you do, and you get caught, you end up in court.”
Mr Askew said that while carrying a knife on the first occasion may not result in a jail sentence, offenders will still be in the court system and have to take part in rehabilitation courses.
Operation Active has also seen West Midlands Police stop illegal e-bikes and check nightclubs and pubs were following licensing rules.