Five Wrexham nightclubs issued with ‘knife detection wands’ as part of national campaign

Five nightclubs and bars across Wrexham have been issued with knife-detection wands as part of a national crackdown on knife crime.

‘Operation Spectre’, which is being supported by North Wales Police, aims to highlight the risks that carrying a bladed weapon can bring, as well as targeting offenders who use and carry knives in the area.

16 licensees across North Wales – including Mojo, Central Station, One to Five, Atik and Penny Black in Wrexham – have received the knife-detection wands, which have been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Arfon Jones.

Wrexham Town Inspector Vic Powell explained that the wands do not mean that there is a knife problem in Wrexham, rather it is about prevention and ensuring that the area remains a safe place.

Insp Powell said: “We are not reacting to a spike in knife crime. It is about making sure that Wrexham continues to be safe place and we’re working as partnership to delivering that.

“It is not a specific problem in Wrexham but there is demand nationally. It would be foolhardy to put our heads in sand and not put prevention first.

“The wands are purely preventions to keep and make Wrexham safer. As a partnership we will strive to deliver that everyday.”

The campaign also sees North Wales Police taking part in a knife surrender, where special amnesty bins will be located across the giving people the opportunity to dispose of knives and blades safely.

Similar bins will also be placed at a number of recycling centres for people who do not feel comfortable attending a police station.

“Carrying knives is totally and utterly unacceptable and we hope that introducing these wands will not only act as a deterrent, but they’ll also reassure people who are planning an enjoyable night out,” Temporary Detective Inspector Tecwyn Green, Operation Sceptre co-ordinator for North Wales Police.

“Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of North Wales. Carrying knives or other weapons do not keep you safe. By carrying a knife you are putting yourself in much greater danger, and more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.

“All licensed premises that are being given these wands have been extremely positive and are pleased to play their part in the national campaign. These venues rarely have issues relating to knife crime, yet they fully understand the importance of having a preventative initiative such as this one in place.

He added: “We want to ensure residents are safe from knife crime in their communities so we are pleased to be promoting our week-long knife amnesty where people can hand in knives without fear of punishment. Since July 2017, a total of 1,691 knives have been handed in across North Wales.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones said: “The rise in the statistics for violent crime is a general trend across the UK and it is important to remember than North Wales is still one of the safest places to live and work.

“Another important factor to remember is that there have been changes in the recording methods of some categories of crime, including violent crime, and this has also had an impact in skewing the statistics.

“Nevertheless, it is vitally important that we tackle this scourge and I know it is a priority for North Wales Police.

“The message is clear. Knives and dangerous. They can maim and even kill people.”

During the week School Community Police Officers will be attending primary and secondary schools throughout North Wales to give a presentation on knife crime as part of the All Wales Schools Programme.

T/D.I Green added: “We take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets and I would encourage you to take this opportunity to rid yourselves of any illegal weapons by taking them to any of the named stations.

“We are grateful for the support of the licensed premises, the community and our partners with this campaign and together, we will continue to work towards removing knives and dangerous weapons and bring those responsible, for carrying and using them, to justice.”

North Wales Police will act on all information reported regarding knife crime. Anyone with information can call North Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Unwanted knives can be disposed of in special amnesty bins which will be placed in police stations in Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead. They can also be taken to recycling centres at Mochdre, Abergele, Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin. Please ensure any sharp ends are securely wrapped in a protective material.

Pictured: Knife Amnesty 2018