New knife arch to keep communities safe

Officers tested a new knife arch in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday (Wednesday 20 May) as part of our proactive efforts to tackle knife crime and provide reassurance to communities through the Ditch the Blade campaign.

Funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, one of our Ditch the Blade partners, the knife arch was positioned in the entrance of Hanley bus station, scanning people as they enter and leave.

The arch is portable and works instantly, flashing red if there is a positive result for a metal object, meaning the person will then be searched by officers.

Knife arches are just one tactic we use, alongside education and enforcement to reduce the number of knives on our streets. 

Chief Inspector Dave Barrow, force lead for knife crime, said: “This new knife arch will be used across the city at various upcoming events and throughout the summer.

“It allows officers to be visible in areas of high footfall and educate people about knife crime and the consequences of carrying one.

“We will continue to take robust action against those who carry weapons in Stoke-on-Trent and wider Staffordshire and encourage anyone carrying a knife to surrender it anonymously through the local network of knife surrender banks."

You can read more about the Ditch the Blade campaign and find your nearest knife surrender bank here: #DitchTheBlade | Staffordshire Police