Kids caught with weapons in school

Shock figure uncovered by the Observer

There has been a rise in the number of incidents of pupils being in possession of offensive weapons within school grounds in the Stirling area.

While there was just a single pupil found to be in possession of a weapon at school in 2017, that number jumped to three in the first half of this year.

Data obtained by the Stirling Observer through a Freedom of Information request revealed one pupil was found with a blade or pointed instrument within school grounds between April 1 and December 31 last year.

This year one pupil had an unspecified weapon in a school and another had an article with a blade or point. A third had a blade or point that has been used in other criminal activity.

The figures for 2018 were recorded at unspecified schools within the FK7, FK8, FK9, FK12, FK15, FK16, FK17, FK18, FK19, FK20 AND FK21 post code areas.

Stirling Chief Inspector Gill Boulton said: “Schools across Stirling work well in partnership with the police.

“All involved follow specific guidance in relation to weapons in school and all are clear on the need to act in the interests of safety for all pupils and staff.

“Police officers called to deal with these types of offences will act in accordance with the relevant legislation in all cases, in respect of searches and charging offenders.

“We’re fortunate that all high schools in Stirling have a school– based officer.

“These officers provide a visible police presence and focus on preventing offending, creating a safer school environment and reassurance for local communities.

“They develop positive relations between the police and young people, as well as supporting the development of positive relationships between their schools and the wider community. “They work in partnership with school staff, education services and partner agencies to identify and coordinate responses to children and young people who are at risk or vulnerable or have emotional and behavioural difficulties, and provide direct support as part of a multi–agency team, where appropriate.”

A national initiative has been campaigning against knife crime since 2009.

The No Knives, Better Lives scheme is based at Youthlink Scotland.

Senior development officer Emily Beever said: “Knife carrying in Scotland has greatly reduced over the past decade.

“Nevertheless, one incident is one too many and can have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities.

“No Knives, Better Lives continues to advocate for a prevention approach. Prevention, by its very nature, is designed to prevent crises from occurring in the first place and from reoccurring in the future.

“Our programme works with local authorities across Scotland to support those working with young people to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of knife carrying and to support young people to make positive life choices.”

Have you been affected by knife crime at school? Contact us by emailing news@stirlingobserver. co.uk or call 01786 459422.

One incident is one too many and can have a significant impact