Plymouth will welcome the Knife Angel throughout next month, the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression.
Standing 27 feet tall and created from more than 100,000 seized or surrendered knives, the sculpture is a powerful symbol of the impact of violent crime and a catalyst for education, prevention and remembrance.
The visit is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and is utilising funding from the Community Safety Partnership’s Serious Violence Duty fund.
Devon and Cornwall Police and Plymouth City Council are supporting the visit, working alongside a wide range of partners including schools and multi academy trusts, youth services, domestic abuse specialists, mental health and substance misuse providers, community and voluntary groups, faith organisations and Mike’s Trust.
Although knife crime in Plymouth remains relatively low compared to many parts of the UK, it causes real harm when it occurs. Police estimate that around one in 2,000 people carry a knife in Devon and Cornwall. Many knife related incidents in Plymouth are linked to wider issues such as domestic abuse, alcohol related harm, exploitation, and mental health or self-harm crises.
The Knife Angel’s visit is about turning these difficult realities into action: encouraging people not to carry knives, promoting safe surrender options and supporting a month-long programme of education and community engagement designed to prevent harm and protect lives.
The Knife Angel will be installed outside the Civic Centre and Guildhall and illuminated each evening. It will be in situ from 3 to 30 March 2026.
Cllr Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Plymouth City Council, said: “The Knife Angel is more than a sculpture, it is a moment for our city to come together. Alongside our partners, we’re supporting workshops, community talks and school sessions that will help turn awareness into real change.
“Plymouth does not face a knife‑crime crisis, and overall incidents here remain comparatively low, but even one incident is one too many and its impact can be lifelong. This programme isn’t about suggesting there is a problem; it’s about keeping it that way.
“By bringing the Knife Angel to Plymouth, we are sending a clear message of prevention, education and early intervention. It acts as a powerful deterrent, a reminder of the consequences of violence, and a chance to engage people of all ages before harm occurs. This is fundamentally about compassion, community responsibility and standing alongside those who have been affected – while working proactively to protect others in the future.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “We thankfully don’t have the scale of knife problems as seen in other areas of the country, but it is still there and we can’t ignore it.
“My office’s recent survey of young people and adults identified they worried about people carrying weapons on our streets. The more we can do to deter people from carrying a knife and show that we act to prevent their concerns the better, which is why when I heard about successful engagements with people when the Knife Angel has visited other areas such as Kent and Gloucestershire, I wanted to deliver the opportunity in our area. The Knife Angel is an impactful way of reaching out to young people, organisations and the community. It’s a reminder that still too many people die each year where a knife is involved. It’s not just about having the Knife Angel statue there, but also an educational package around it during the month it is there to prevent people considering carrying a knife or encouragement to report those who do.”
Plymouth Commander, Devon and Cornwall Police, Matt Longman added: “The knife angel is a visually striking and thought-provoking structure. It is hoped that it will create conversations and raise awareness around knife safety among our communities across all age groups. Devon and Cornwall Police is pleased to be supporting this campaign, in particular by facilitating the education packages which are being offered to schools and colleges across the region. It’s important that people understand that carrying a knife doesn’t make them safer; in fact it can put a person in more danger of knife harm.
“We have permanent knife surrender bins at police stations across the area and encourage people to use them. I urge anyone who has concerns about knife crime or knife carrying to contact police or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.”
More information about the visit
Programme of activities
Throughout March, partners across the city will deliver a range of events and initiatives, including a full programme of activities in schools across the city. In addition:
Community activities
If any local group or organisation would like to hold their own activities, quiet reflection, workshops, or coordinated sessions regarding the Knife Angel or Knife Crime in Plymouth, please email: emily.richards@fgct.co.uk as the Council has reserved rooms in the Council House for community-led activity.
Bystander intervention training
We are holding two Bystander Training sessions, so people can learn how to safely and confidently speak up when they witness harassment or discrimination. This practical, in‑person session will help attendees recognise violence against women and girls, understand the power of intervention, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and take meaningful action without escalating risk. Register to attend now so you can become an active bystander and help create a safer, more respectful community for everyone. Full details available on our website.
Safe surrender information
- Safe surrender points are permanently located at police stations across the region. Find your nearest location: dc.police.uk/peo
- If you are concerned about someone carrying a knife, you can report it at: dc.police.uk/tua
- You can share information anonymously with CrimeStoppers: 0800 555111
- Retailers can access guidance on responsible knife sales at: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance
Support for people impacted
We recognise that the Knife Angel can be emotionally challenging for those who have been a victim of knife crime. Please see our website for more information.
