‘WHEN YOU CARRY A KNIFE, YOU RISK EVERYTHING’
People urged to dump their weapons in bin
POLICE are to carry out ‘sweeps’ for weapons and target armed offenders in a knife crime crackdown.
Officers are also set to visit retailers in Stoke-on-trent, and across Staffordshire, to remind traders of their responsibilities when selling blades.
During this week’s crackdown – which supports the ongoing Operation Sceptre – a knife amnesty bin has been set up at Longton Police Station where people are being encouraged to dump their weapons – without risk of prosecution.
Staffordshire Police regularly run the ‘Ditch the Blade’ campaign aimed at educating youngsters – and adults – over the dangers of carrying a knife.
As part of activities this week the force say they will carry out weapons sweeps, ‘target and disrupt offenders who carry and use knives’, and carry out ‘intelligence-led deployments’.
Chief Inspector Rob Hessell, commander of Stoke-on-trent South Neighbourhood Policing Team, hopes the initiative will help open up the conversation over knife crime.
He said: “Knife crime can affect families from various backgrounds and areas. It is important that we break down the stigma and encourage open and honest discussion on the topic.
“Parents and families can help to prevent knife crime. Speak to your children about the issues, about their thoughts and worries around it, and encourage open and honest discussion. Most young people carry knives due to the fear of others carrying, when in fact the reality is only one-in-100 carry.
“We need to work together – It requires the commitment, not only of a range of agencies, but also of the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-trent to prevent the loss of life and permanent physical and psychological damage that serious violence can cause.”
The force says there has been a five per cent decrease in knife crime across the county.
The Stoke South commander added: “When you carry a knife, you are risking everything. Prison, being a victim of crime and even ending up in hospital are all real risks. Beyond this, knife crime has devastating personal effects on you, your friends and your family.
“While some young people pick up a knife to feel safer, they don’t realise that carrying it makes them more likely to get into serious danger. A knife can escalate things way out of your control, and make a bad situation much worse.”
Stoke-on-trent City Council has also thrown its support behind the campaign.
Council leader Abi Brown said: “The impact of knife crime on families can be devastating, and we’re committed to working in partnership with Staffordshire Police to do all we can to combat it.
“This work includes supporting youth groups and children across the city with a number of innovative initiatives, including a ‘Safe Yeah’ campaign, which has used drama and dance as a way to educate young people to the dangers of knife crime.
“We strongly urge people in the city to take the opportunity to use the knife amnesty bins as appropriate, and for families to follow the police guidance if they are worried about knife crime, so that their concerns can be raised and responded to.”
The campaign has also been backed by Chit Chat 4 U–a group which supports parents of those who have been in a gang or a victim of a gang. Organisers also support those affected by youth violence and knife crime.
Larissa Cooke, of the group, said: “The Chit Chat 4 U group were humbled to be asked to be involved in the campaign to highlight the impact that knife crime can have on the whole family.
“Parents from our group who have lived experiences have shared their stories, which shows it can happen to any family. We want to encourage open and honest discussions about knife crime to break down the stigma and stereotypes often associated with this.”