New technology bid to combat knife crime in town centre

NEW technology – in the form of airport style detector wands and arches – is to be introduced to combat knife crime in Warrington.
Mobile metal detectors and hand-held detectors for every licensee in the town centre are being funded by local businesses via the Warrington BID
It is hoped the pro-active approach to knife crime will keep the town’s night-time economy safe during busy weekend periods.
Warrington’s pub and club owners have welcomed the investment.
One of the BID’s key themes is to promote a safer town centre and deliver investment in crime prevention initiatives, over and above the services provided by Warrington Council and Cheshire Police.  Last month it announced that it was supporting the Street Pastors’ Help on the Corner project.
Members of Warrington’s Pubwatch, a scheme that allows licensees to work together to keep members of the public safe and promote responsible drinking, believe that the wands and arches will act as an effective deterrent and show people that violence is not accepted in Warrington.
Ian Fitzsimons, owner of the Acoustic Café and Auction Rooms, and a Warrington BID board member, has been instrumental making the new investment happen.
He said: “Warrington has a thriving nighttime economy, with a good selection of bars and clubs for people to choose from.  As a licensee, a local resident and a member of the Warrington BID, I want our nightlife to be perceived as fun but most importantly safe, and that’s why I brought the idea to board members as I believe that this is an important investment that benefits local businesses and the community.”
Chief Inspector Simon Meegan, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “We welcome this support from the BID and Pubwatch, working in partnership to introduce these safety measures. The arches and wands are visible but not obstructive – so they allow people to enjoy their night out, safe in the knowledge that these preventative methods are in place.
“I’m keen to point out that the arches and wands are not being introduced because Warrington town centre has a problem with knife crime – reports of such remain very low. This equipment will assist in the prevention and detection of crime, and will complement other existing measures such as monitored CCTV, the town centre radio link system, premises security staff and visible policing.”
The equipment is part of a wider campaign by the Warrington BID, Cheshire Police and Pubwatch to improve perceptions of Warrington’s nighttime economy as they work towards achieving Purple Flag status for the town.