Police focus on knife crime during Ditch the Blade campaign week

STAFFORDSHIRE Police’s ongoing Ditch the Blade campaign is to focus on the impact knife crime has on communities this week.

Until Sunday, supporting the national campaign Operation Sceptre, police and partners will highlight the impact of knife crime through engagement and advice, carrying out intelligence-led operations, weapons sweeps and high-visibility patrols to target and disrupt offenders who carry and use knives.

Knife amnesty bins will be available for the safe disposal of knives at police stations including Burton.

Officers and police community support officers will be reaching out to the public, including young people and parents. They will be encouraging conversations about the dangers of carrying a knife and providing leaflets for families so they know what to do if they are concerned about their child being involved in knife crime.

There will also be an online forum around knife crime taking place tomorrow at 7pm to 8pm. Questions from the public will be answered by representatives from the police and our partners and can be submitted in advance ahead of the forum.

Rob Hessell, chief inspector at Staffordshire Police, said: “Knife crime can affect families from various backgrounds and areas. “It is important 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, worries etc around it and encourage open and honest discussion.

“Most young people carry due to fear of others carrying, when in fact the reality is 99 per cent of 10-29- year-olds don’t carry a knife.

“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.

“If you are worried about a child and think they are involved with knife crime, visit our website for advice.”

Advice and information on the force’s Ditch the Blade campaign can be found on its website at www.staffordshire.police.uk/ ditchtheblade