Knife angel: Slough welcomes monument in month of action
The 'Knife Angel' has arrived in Slough today marking the beginning of Thames Valley Police's month of action against knife crime and violence in the area.
Standing 27ft tall and made up of 100,000 knives which have been handed in at amnesty bins around the country, the moment took 90 minutes to erect in its home for the next month – Arbour Park.
Attending the installation was Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber, Chief Inspector Ash Smith and Safety Centre CEO Maya Joseph-Hussain.
The monument is made from 100,000 knives handed into amnesty bins around the country.
Standing 27ft tall the statue will be a 'focal point' for the community throughout January. pic.twitter.com/gzOG2hQXYk
— Daisy Waites (@Daisyw_journo) January 9, 2023
Chief Inspector Ash Smith said: "The month of the knife angel is looking at how we bring our communities together to take a stand against knife crime.
"The main aim is to work with schools, communities and statutory partners to send a message to the public that we stand against all forms of violence.
"The main aim is to get the conversation started at a young age to say we don't want serious crime in Slough."
Chief Inspector Ash Smith (Image: Newsquest)
Knives on the statue are blunted and welded on to ensure the statue is not a danger and police will be regularly patrolling the area during the monument's stay in Slough.
Chief Inspector Ash Smith continued: "Sadly in Slough last year we saw three murders where knives were involved and our thoughts remain with the families of those victims, the relatives and communities.
"Recent events have fuelled the need for the statue but Slough is not unique.
"Sadly around the UK other areas, towns and cities have also seen serious knife crime.
"This is us as a community taking a stand."
The family of Abdul Aziz Faiz Ansari who was sadly murdered last year will be attending and speaking at the official launch of the monument tomorrow.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber (Image: Newsquest)
Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber said: "We have had a number of significant incidents around violent crime in Slough. It is important to recognise and address that.
"Thames Valley is still one of the safest places in the country for serious violence. But any incidents of serious violence, particularly that involving a knife is obviously concerning.
"There is a challenge out there, but it is something we can do something about.
"There is no excuse for carrying a knife."
This month a number of talks will be carried out at 30 local schools and events will take place to mark the month.
To find out what is on and get involved click here.