KNIFE KIDS
Cutbacks let gangs off the hook
of their lives. My Kiyan left a legacy of love and kindness. He had a good attitude and worked hard to make something of himself. I share that legacy with the kids who come to me for help and it has helped turn lives around.”
The statistics show why Mark and likeminded public-spirited individuals are so determined to curb knife crime.
Among 65 youths held for carrying a knife in Nottinghamshire last year, two were nine, four were 10 and one was 11.
A nine-year-old was also pulled in by Mr Hitchcock also spoke about a focus on tougher penalties to act as a deterrent. Possession of a knife can carry a four-year jail sentence.
Last year the Government implemented a “two strikes and you’re out” system for criminals caught with knives, meaning an immediate jail police in Bedfordshire – one of 54 kids arrested. In the West Midlands 424 were held, compared to 269 in 2013.
And British Transport Police said boys of 12 were among 61 arrested by officers responsible for safety on the railways.
David Spencer, of the Centre for Crime Prevention, said: “It is vital steps are taken now to tackle this issue – tighter controls on the sale of knives and tougher sentences to stop them being seen as an easy choice of weapon.”
Among the horrific knife crimes last term for repeat offenders. Mr Hitchcock said he was also working with the Home Office on legislation to ban the sale of a petrifying “zombie killer” knife inspired by horror films.
The 2ft-long serrated blades are available online for as little as £8. Mr Hitchcock said: “There is no reason Knife Our Drop the to summit moves Birmingham affected Have you been by knife crime? Mirror on Call the Sunday or email 0800 289 441 scoops@ or. sundaymirr year was a case in Suffolk where a 15-year-old girl was raped and two knife attacks in Lancashire where the victims were aged just four and five.
Cases in the West Midlands included one rape, 247 robberies and the murder of 15-year-old Jamar Walker, stabbed in December just weeks after moving to Birmingham from London to feel safer.
In 2015 the Metropolitan Police recorded 2,175 knife crimes where the victim was under 18. These included 15 fatal stabbings – the highest in seven any normal human being needs a zombie killer knife. We have told retailers the only people buying them are gang members, so why on earth are they selling them?
“EBay has now taken them off sale and Amazon has agreed to take them off their UK site. Now we are working years. Youngest victim was 15-year-old cyclist Alan Cartwright, stabbed in Islington, North London, by 18-year-old Joshua Williams in a bungled bike robbery.
Other victims included Che Wellington, 17, killed hours after his mother gave birth to his baby brother and “kind, quiet and hardworking” Gary Scott, stabbed to death aged 17 on his way home from a friend’s birthday party.
London’s new Labour mayor with the Home Office to get them banned completely.”
Major retailers including Tesco, Poundland, Amazon and John Lewis have also pledged to do more to prevent the sale of knives to children. Sadiq Khan told the Sunday Mirror: “As dad of two teenage girls, the rise in knife crime concerns me greatly. I’ve made it clear to the Met Commissioner that tackling this dreadful crime is a top priority. “I will work with police and others to ensure young people are given positive choices to deter them from carrying knives and joining gangs.” And Roger Critchell, director of operations at Crimestoppers, added: “It would be irresponsible to portray all youngsters as knife-carrying criminals, but it’s important that those that do carry knives know the long term effects can be devastating – both for them, their victims and their community.” Parents and teachers are encouraged to visit the free website EduKit, where they can find programmes to support children at risk of getting into trouble. To donate money to the Kiyan Prince Foundation, please visit www.kiyan.org