Month of action to tackle serious violence
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Wakefield Council is reflecting on a month of action aimed at preventing serious violence, raising awareness and creating safer communities.
“Wakefield is the safest district in West Yorkshire, but we need to continue to take action that prevents serious crime from happening.
“Everyone should feel safe and we have a zero-tolerance attitude to behaviour that has a negative impact on our communities. That’s why we’re working hard with local partners to try to prevent serious violence before it happens.
“We’re pleased to see everyone come together to help crack down on this issue and support local communities to feel safer.”
Cllr Rebecca Webster
Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities
As part of SAVED Month, knife detection arches were deployed at Big Fellas (Pontefract), Popworld (Wakefield) and Union Bank (Wakefield).
The Council also collaborated with Fazamnesty, an organisation led by Faron Paul, who survived being stabbed a total of 18 times on two separate occasions. Faron is now an anti-knife crime campaigner, working with Councils, police forces, schools, business community groups and other partners across the country.
Fazamnesty led several school assemblies for pupils in years 10 and 11, educating and engaging with pupils about serious violence, healthy relationships and good decision making.
They also brought along their amnesty van, giving people the opportunity to surrender weapons securely and anonymously, with no judgement and no questions asked. They listened to local concerns, offered advice and support, including emergency first aid training for bleed injuries, and were a positive influence on young people who visited the van. The intelligence gathered will help better understand local concerns and perceptions of safety.
Inspector James Thistlewood said: “Preventing knives from getting into the hands of young people remains a key priority for us.
“Throughout September, we have been deploying knife arches in Wakefield and Pontefract to provide reassurance to residents and visitors enjoying the night-time economy, while helping us identify anyone carrying weapons and keeping our town centres safe.
“We will continue to work with businesses through education and enforcement to improve compliance and reduce the risk of knives falling into the wrong hands.”
The Council has also been supporting West Yorkshire Police’s ‘Jog On’ campaign, to tackle harassment faced by female runners and joggers by engaging with running groups across Wakefield.
This month’s action sits alongside existing and previous work such as knife trauma kit supply and training which was introduced in 2025. The We Walk Away campaign which has been running this summer to encourage people to step away from heated situations. The Ask for Angela scheme. And Safe Points in Wakefield and Pontefract.
To find out more, please visit Community safety - Wakefield Council