SCORES of deadly blades have been surrendered in a collection bin at the Knife Angel statue.
Over 80 weapons have been put in the knife amnesty bin under the Knife Angel in Worcester.
The monument has attracted plenty of attention since its arrival in Cathedral Square at the start of the month - and police say it has had a practical effect too.
Officers in Worcestershire are using the impact of the Knife Angel to warn young people about the dangers of knife crime.
Steer Clear is an intelligence-led project aimed at engaging with under 18s who are believed to be in some way connected to knife crime.
South Worcester Police will work with their families or carers and refer them to the Get Safe scheme, run by Worcestershire County Council.
From here, the children will be invited to monthly workshops held in the community in order to safeguard them and prevent criminal activity in the future.
Police said previous workshops have been well received by young people in Telford and North Worcestershire.
They have featured guest speakers including Pride of Britain winner and youth worker Hezron Brown, who talked about his experiences as an ex-gang member.
Protecting young people from knife crime
Temporary chief inspector Fergus Green said: “With the impactful presence of the knife angel at the Cathedral Square, in Worcester city centre, it seemed an excellent opportunity to introduce the Steer Clear initiative in South Worcestershire, to help protect young people from becoming involved with knife crime.
“Protecting young people from harm is absolutely integral to local policing and that of the entire force.
READ MORE: Knife Angel launch prompts weapons to be handed in in Worcester
“We hope that by putting on these workshops, children in our communities recognise the risks of carrying knives and think twice before getting involved in criminal activity.”
If you’re interested in the programme, or would like to make a referral, drop an email to the Youth Engagement Team at SteerClearSouthWorcs@westmercia.police.uk or PC Kelvin James at kelvin.james@westmercia.police.uk.
The police aren’t the only organisation making the most of the Knife Angel’s presence in Worcester.
Worcestershire Children First are highlighting child exploitation issues in Cathedral Square this week and Britain’s Got Talent star Stu Goldsmith filmed at the statue for his new knife crime documentary.
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