#KnifeFreeRugby campaign launch with Anti-Violence Bee

RUGBY Borough Council is promoting a #KnifeFreeRugby, launching the campaign with the Anti-Violence Bee touring Rugby throughout August.

The Campaign launched on 2 August in Caldecott Park, where Cllr Simon Ward, Mayor of Rugby gave a poignant reflection and a minute's silence held to those loved one's recently lost to serious violence.

Attending the event, also included Rugby Police and Rugby First's Rangers.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness on the impact of knife crime.

Interactive virtual reality headsets from Virtual Decisions have also been made available with our Community Safety Team to help inform decisions and consequences on carrying knives and serious violence.

The Anti-Violence Bee, is available for viewing throughout August between 10am - 2pm at various locations in Rugby. You can see the Bee on the following dates and locations:
2nd Aug Caldecott Park
5th Aug,  Market Place Town Centre
7th Aug, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre
9th Aug, Junction 1
12th Aug, Featherbed Rec
14th Aug, Market Place Town Centre
16th Aug GEC Rec
19th Aug, Caldecott Park
21st Aug, Alwyn Rec
27th Aug, Junction 1
29th The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre

You can find out more here: https://www.rugby.gov.uk/knifefreerugby 

A spokesperson from Rugby Borough Council's Community Safety  Team, said: “Rugby Borough Council’s Community Wardens work in partnership with Rugby police to educate, engage and raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and its impact. 

“We aim to stop those intent on carrying a knife with early intervention.” 

Cllr Claire Edwards, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Homes, Regulation and Safety, said: 
"We are pleased our Community Safety Team have brought this important knife awareness campaign to Rugby during this summer, educating on the impact of knife crime and serious violence. The roadshow around Rugby this August is open to everyone so please drop in."

Have a concern? Report it: 
The council has also been supporting Op Talkative, a new scheme with the police and Community Safety Partnership calling for friends and relatives of those who are carrying knives to come forward and report concerns.

If you have concerns about someone carrying a knife you can report it to www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101. Please quote ‘Op Talkative’ when making the report. If someone is in immediate danger please call 999. 

If you would like to remain anonymous you can make a report to the independent charity Crimestoppers at crimestopper-uk.org or by calling them on 0800 555 111.