Knife Crime- how to keep safe

What is Knife Crime?

Is it something that’s affected you?

How can you protect yourself and others?

What will happen if you are caught with a knife?

What is Knife Crime?

Knife crime is simply any crime that involves a knife. This includes:

• carrying a knife or trying to buy one if you’re under 18
• threatening someone with a knife
• carrying a knife that is banned
• a murder where the victim was stabbed with a knife
• a robbery or burglary where the thieves carried a knife as a weapon

Sadly there have been a number of incidents involving young people using a knife and this has resulted in either someone being injured or killed. Innocent young people have sadly been killed due to knife crime and have not had the opportunity to live the life they deserve. Perhaps this is something that has affected you? Or you know someone who has been effected by knife crime? This page aims to help you keep safe and think of ways of protecting yourself without having to use a knife.

How can you avoid knife or gun crime? 

There may be times when you feel under pressure from people at school or even more so a gang that you wish to be in and you are getting pressured to carry a knife.

Friends should never pressure you into doing something you do not want to do- if they are then think about the effect they may be having on your life- is it positive or negative?

Think of a way to say NO to carrying a knife if you are asked so you do not feel pressured or ‘on the spot’ when asked.

Find positive activities to channel your energy which may help you avoid dangerous situations.

As mentioned above you may feel you need to carry one as a way of protecting yourself but this can cause more danger.

It is also proven that those who carry a knife or weapon are more likely to be targeted or in danger.

You can ALWAYS talk to someone if you feel worried/scared or pressured into doing anything you do not wish to do. You can speak to a trusted adult, or even a counsellor from Childline by calling 0800 11 11. If you feel you may be in immediate danger then you can contact the police on 999. For situations you are a little worried about but are not an immediate emergency you can contact the police on 101.

Things to look out for

Perhaps you are worried about a friend or someone you know that may be carrying a knife or being pressured into doing so. There are some things you can look out for to help:

• They are being secretive, failing to attend school or normal everyday activities
• They have been a victim of bullying or knife crime previously
• Part of a gang that are often in dangerous or violent situations.

Do not try and intervene in a situation which may be dangerous or try and stop someone who has a knife- you can be an ethical bystander and help in many others ways but telling a trusted adult or If there is a situation you feel worried about or someone you wish to report without anyone knowing you can do this by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They also have a website- www.crimestoppers-uk.org for more information.

What happens if you are caught carrying a knife?

Carrying a knife alone can get you sent to prison for up to 4 years- whether you say it is for self-defence or protection this does not matter. This article suggests other ways you can protect yourself and keep safe. Carrying a knife is a criminal offence so you will be penalised. Just say no!