Knife detection arches are being installed at Birmingham New Street Station this afternoon as part of a major police operation to tackle violent crime in the city centre.
Operation Active: A Coordinated Crackdown
The deployment of the knife arches is a key element of Operation Active, which has seen 150 extra police officers drafted into Birmingham's core. The initiative targets a range of issues including knife crime, violence against women and girls, and youth-related disorder.
This urgent action follows a disturbing wave of knife attacks and anti-social behaviour. Authorities have confirmed that at least 12 people have been stabbed in or around Birmingham city centre this year. In a stark reminder of the ongoing threat, three men in their 20s suffered stab wounds just last week.
Police Warning: 'You're More Likely to be a Victim'
Detective Chief Inspector John Askew of West Midlands Police issued a direct warning to those considering carrying a blade. "If you're carrying a knife, you're more likely to be a victim," he stated.
He revealed that officers frequently stop individuals who are not involved in gang activity but carry knives out of a misplaced sense of security. "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," DCI Askew explained.
He emphasised that even a first offence for carrying a knife, while it may not lead to an immediate jail term, will result in a court appearance and mandatory rehabilitation courses.
Broader Scope of the Operation
Operation Active encompasses more than just knife crime prevention. The wider crackdown has involved:
- Stopping illegal and potentially dangerous e-bikes.
- Conducting checks on nightclubs and pubs to ensure strict adherence to licensing rules.
The installation of the arches at the UK's busiest interchange station outside London signals a determined effort to intercept weapons and make public spaces safer for the thousands of passengers who use the station daily.
