Smallbrook Queensway killing raises pressure on patrols and prevention

Local TV

A 34-year-old woman has died after a stabbing on Smallbrook Queensway. A 21-year-old man is charged with murder. Police call it unprovoked and say no one else is sought. We examine safety, patrols and the impact on Birmingham’s night-time economy.

Transcript

00:00A woman is dead after a knife attack on Smallbrook Queensway, metres from the region's mine station.

00:07A 21-year-old man is charged with murder.

00:10Police say the attack was unprovoked and that no one else is being sought.

00:14This is one of the busiest routes in the city, used by workers, families and people heading home late.

00:21When violence breaks out here, it changes how the centre feels.

00:25People talk about taking longer routes around the station,

00:28sticking to crowded spots or keeping keys in hand on their walk back.

00:33Police have increased patrols on key streets linked to New Street.

00:38Officers say they're focusing on visibility and quick intervention.

00:42People judge that by what they can actually see, open lines of sight,

00:46lighting that removes blind corners and the sense that someone in uniform could appear without warning.

00:52The charge sheet mentions possession of a blade and two separate assaults.

00:57That opens the wider question, what actually deters knife carry?

01:02Enforcement only works when people believe they'll be challenged.

01:06Once someone is caught with a weapon, courts and probation take over, but prevention starts on the street.

01:13Transport routes are the biggest stress points.

01:16Tens of thousands move through these paths each day.

01:19Narrow walkways, closed shops, broken lights or isolated taxi ranks.

01:24People know exactly where they feel exposed and those feelings, shite behaviour, long before any incident takes place.

01:32The case now heads to Crown Court where the facts will be tested.

01:36Out here the basics remain the same.

01:38Clear sight lines, predictable patrols and routes that feel safe to use without hesitation.

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