Are you a parent, carer or teacher?We need your help to encourage young people to make the right choice and to Ditch the Blade. Some young people carry because they feel worried so it's really important that we tackle the reasons behind this together, and provide support to reassure our young people that knives are not the answer. To bring communities together to tackle knife crime, we're supporting the Ditch the Blade campaign in Staffordshire. Through education and prevention work, the campaign aims to encourage community conversations about knife crime to show our young people that carrying a knife isn't ok. By bringing this topic into the spotlight we hope to make our young people aware of the risks and consequences they face if they decide to carry a knife. The Ditch the Blade campaign supports Operation Sceptre, two national weeks of dedicated activity against knife crime. These weeks are an opportunity for us to highlight everything we're doing as a partnership to tackle knife crime in Staffordshire, but our work continues all year round. Advice for parent and carersWhat are the signs to look out for?When someone becomes involved with knife crime or drugs they often change their behaviour. As a parent or carer, it is important to know what to look for. Common warning signals may indicate a young person is involved in something untoward, such as if they: become withdrawn from family and school change their behaviour and/or are skipping school have lost interest in hobbies and old friends, and now hang around with a new group, staying out late they’re vague about where they’re going or where they’ve been become secretive and defensive easily, particularly about what’s in their bag and might even have told you that they need to carry a knife for protection take kitchen knives from home, hiding them in their bag or coat.
What are the consequences?More often than not, people carry knives or weapons because they think other people are and that the knife or weapon will provide protection. However, statistics show that 99 per cent of young people don’t carry knives and carrying a knife means you’re more likely to end up getting hurt. It could mean an argument escalating to a point of life or death. Please explain to your child that the consequences of carrying a knife include: Being arrested - police can stop and search someone if they believe a weapon is being carried Prosecution - regardless of whether your child says it was for their own protection or they were carrying it for someone else Prison - sentences of up to four years are given for possession of a knife OR if you stab someone and they die then a life sentence means 25 years inside A criminal record – this can stop them getting in to college, university, getting a job or travelling to countries like the USA or Australia Death - they could get seriously injured or even killed
How can I dispose of a knife?We encourage handing in any unwanted knives to help keep Staffordshire safer. In every home in the county you will find kitchen knives but this option is designed to allow the disposal of other knives which are surplus to requirements, such as ornamental, ex-military or combat style weapons, which could easily end or ruin a life if used recklessly. Unfortunately, the majority of knives and bladed articles that we find young people in possession of have come from their own homes, so if you don’t need it - just bin it. You can dispose of normal kitchen knives at many recycling centres, where they can be placed in the scrap metal containers. You can also hand knives in without any risk of prosecution at various locations shown in map above. How can I help prevent knife crime?If you’re worried about your child or believe they could be putting themselves and others in danger, then it could be worth having a conversation with them about the dangers and consequences. Pick a place and a time where you can comfortably chat together. They might be reluctant to talk to you, so it might help to start by watching a relevant video or news article, ask them what they think to get the conversation going. Ask them if they understand what knife crime is about. Be patient, get them talking, reassure them that they can be honest with you about their fears and worries. You are there to listen and support them. Who can I call for help?If you are a parent or carer and you are worried about a child you can seek guidance and support from your local safeguarding team: Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Safeguarding Referral Team - 01782 235100, or out of hours 01782 234234 All other areas of Staffordshire are covered by Staffordshire County Council’s First Response team - 0800 1313 126, or out of hours 0345 6042 886 How do I report knife crime?If you have information, you can contact us via our website's reporting form or live chat, or if you prefer you can call us on 101. You should always dial 999 in an emergency, such a crime happening there and then or if someone's life is at immediate risk. Alternatively, you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online on the Crimestoppers website. By reporting a crime or giving information, you can prevent future crimes from happening and potentially save someone's life. Information could include: Anyone you know or believe to be carrying a knife People you suspect are involved in gangs, organised crime or drug dealing Any suspicions you have regarding sexual exploitation or people asking young people to do things for money, gifts or other items in return Young people going missing and their whereabouts being unaccounted for, or whether their behaviour changes i.e. they're worried, scared, upset or have unexplained injuries Any websites or social media that evidences crimes taking place, make a note of dates/times and take screenshots so they can be sent to police.
Further resources Two podcasts have been produced on the topic of knife crime and these are: To listen to these visit The Beat Podcast webpage. | 
