KNIFE CRIME

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 999

Any crime involving a knife or other sharp object. This includes offences such as carrying a knife illegally in public, using a knife to threaten or injure someone, or possessing a banned knife.

If you carry a knife your future is at risk.

Young people who carry a weapon are 3 times more likely to be hospitalised with an injury caused by violence.

Any stab wound can be fatal

You may feel like you need to carry because of the places you go or the people you hang out with, but despite what you might hear not many young people are carrying - you do not need a knife, it will not keep you safe!

THERE IS NO 'SAFE PLACE' TO STAB SOMEONE !

It is illegal to carry an offensive weapon like a knife in a public place without a “good reason”, even if you don’t intend to use it.
For a "good reason" you must be able to prove that you are carrying the knife for the purposes of work that you are doing right at that moment, or that you need it for religious purposes.
The maximum penalty for carrying a knife illegally is four years in prison, even if you didn't use it.
Police can stop and search anyone they believe is carrying a weapon.
Carrying a knife for protection can still get you a criminal record.
A criminal record lasts a life time affecting job opportunities, as employers may be less likely to hire someone with a criminal record - especially if you want to work with children.
You may be stopped from travelling and going on holiday, as countries like the USA and Canada may not allow someone to enter if they have a criminal record.

THE LAW

JOINT ENTERPRISE

WHAT IS IT?

Joint enterprise allows two or more people to be convicted of the same crime, potentially receiving the same sentence, even if some had less involvement.

You can be found liable for a crime committed by another person if you encourage them, help them plan, or assist them in the offence - even if you didn't carry out the main act.

When a group of people are involved in a crime but it is difficult to prove who did what, everyone can be prosecuted as if they were the main perpetrator.

YOU COULD BE CHARGED FOR MURDER UNDER ‘JOINT ENTERPRISE’ IF:

You are part of a group and someone in that group kills someone.
You were supporting the attacker’s actions in some way. This could be by verbally encouraging them in person or in messages prior to the event, or physically being there to 'back them up'.
You knew that the person was going to be violent against the victim, and you did nothing to stop it.

PREVENT

Surround yourself with good friends

True friends will want to protect you, they should never put pressure on you or make you do things you don’t want to do. Spend your time with people who keep themselves out of trouble and also want to keep you out of trouble.

Plan ahead

If someone tries to force you to carry a knife tell them that your parent or carer/ sibling/partner regularly checks your bag or that your school has started using metal detectors, so you can't. Be prepared with an excuse so you’re not put on the spot and can confidently say no.

Think about where you go

If you know there is going to be trouble somewhere then make an excuse to avoid it. Say you don't feel very well or that your parent/carer is making you go somewhere with them. Staying away from violence and conflict is the easiest way to stay safe.

PREPARE "Be Switched on"

If someone is making you feel unsafe

Keep your distance, do not turn your back on them or let them walk behind you.

Where are their hands? If they have their hands behind their back, inside their jacket or down their trousers they could be holding a knife or other weapon.

Know your environment - where are the exits? do not put yourself in a corner or an area where you could get blocked in.

Stay around other people and in a well lit area.

PROTECT

IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS CARRYING A KNIFE AND/OR YOU ARE IN DANGER GET AWAY AND CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY

STAYING SAFE FROM KNIFE CRIME

HELP: Someone I know is carrying a knife

Speak to an adult you can trust. This could be someone in your family, one of your teachers at school, your School Police Officer, or your youth worker.

If it’s not an emergency, you can contact Fearless to report your concerns without anyone knowing.