Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has unveiled a powerful new anti-knife crime patrol car that will be used to engage and educate young people across the region.
The vehicle – donated by the PCC – has been custom wrapped by West Midlands Police with impactful visuals and messages, including the #LifeOrKnife hashtag, the national Knife Angel monument, and the striking slogan “Drop the knife, save a life.”
The car will play a key role in community engagement across the West Midlands, visiting schools, colleges and youth events to raise awareness about the dangers of knife crime and to connect young people with vital support and opportunities.
The initiative reflects Simon Foster’s ongoing commitment to preventing and tackling knife crime and youth violence, which are top priorities in his Police and Crime Plan 2025–2029.
Since his election in 2021, prevention and early intervention have been major pillars of his work, alongside his leadership of the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) – a programme dedicated to addressing the root causes of violence and supporting young people to make positive life choices.
Speaking at the unveiling, Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Preventing and tackling knife crime is a top priority for me and for West Midlands Police. This car is a symbol of our shared commitment, to protecting and saving, the lives of our young people.
“By taking this powerful message into schools, colleges and communities, we can start and continue meaningful conversations, raise awareness, engage and educate, challenge behaviours and inspire positive choices.
“Knife crime destroys lives and devastates families. Through prevention, education, and engagement, we can make a real difference – and ensure every young person has the chance to choose life, not knives.”
The specially adapted vehicle will form part of interactive public engagements across the region. These events will include:
- Information and leaflets offering details of youth support services and helplines
- Giveaways and merchandise featuring key messages such as “No Knives, Better Lives”
- QR codes linking to national and local knife crime resources, including Fearless.org, Crimestoppers and The Ben Kinsella Trust
- Mentors with lived experience, youth workers, and school liaison officers
- A bleed control kit and first aid kit for demonstration and education purposes
- VR headsets showing immersive knife crime awareness videos
The vehicle will be showcased at community events, schools, colleges and youth projects across the West Midlands throughout the year, supporting the shared mission to reduce knife crime and save lives.
If you know someone who’s carrying a knife – or are involved in knife crime – talk to police, a trusted adult or your school’s officer. You can ditch the knife at one of our many weapon surrender bins across the West Midlands.
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