Reducing the devastation of knife crime

Tackling knife crime is a key priority for the Force here in the Sunderland area – so we are proud to have supported a national week of action aimed at reducing the devastation caused by this type of criminality.

During my career in the police force, I have seen first-hand the irreversible impact that knife crime can have on families.

Lives have been lost and futures destroyed in an instant.

Northumbria is a very safe place to live and work, and thankfully we do see lower levels of knife crime here than comparative areas of the country.

However, it is crucially important that we are not complacent about the situation and continue to ensure our message reaches far and wide – which is that by carrying a knife, you risk ruining more than one life forever.

Last week, building on our existing work to reduce this type of offending, we supported the national crime crackdown with a range of activities across our region, which included placing surrender bins at various stations including those situated at Southwick and South Shields.

We also carried out weapon sweeps, proactively stopped and searched suspects, and delivered more than 4,000 leaflets into schools and throughout our communities in order to educate people, young and old, about the real risks of carrying knives.

The full results of the operation are due to be released next week, with a huge amount of work having gone into the crackdown.

There is always a choice for everyone.

People should never feel they have to carry a weapon – and anyone who does can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

We will continue to do all we can, working with the public and our partners, to ensure the North East remains a safe place to live, work and visit.