Knife-detection arches, school assemblies and opportunities to surrender weapons formed part of a month of violence prevention activity across Wakefield district.
Wakefield Council has reported back on September’s SAVED Month, which stands for Speak Against Violence Every Day. The programme brought together the authority, police, businesses and community partners.
Knife arches were used at Big Fellas in Pontefract and at Popworld and Union Bank in Wakefield, according to the council.
Fazamnesty, led by anti-knife-crime campaigner Faron Paul, delivered assemblies for pupils in Years 10 and 11. Sessions covered serious violence, relationships and decision making.
Its weapons-surrender van also visited the area. The council says the team listened to local concerns, offered advice and provided emergency first-aid training for bleed injuries.
Inspector James Thistlewood said preventing young people from obtaining knives remained a priority. He said officers were working with businesses on education and enforcement.
The council also supported West Yorkshire Police’s Jog On campaign against harassment of women runners. Existing local safety measures include Ask for Angela and Safe Points in Wakefield and Pontefract.
Councillor Rebecca Webster said the authority wanted partners to work together to prevent violence and help residents feel safer.
Further information is available in the council’s campaign update.