The dangers of knife crime

Sadly street crime and violence has spread throughout the country from inner cities, suburban areas and small country villages. Recent statistics show that Knife-enabled crime recorded by the police saw a 10% increase to 49,027 offences in the year ending March 2022, from 44,642 in the year ending March 2021. Possession of a knife (or any weapon) carries a prision sentence of up to five years, even if its not used.

Watch this short video by Suffolk police:

The women speaking reflects on what it was like aged 16, as a family member whose brother was stabbed to death, she is from Suffolk.

www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/personal-safety/knife-crime/dangers-knife-crime

The Ben Kinsella Trust tackles knife crime through education and campaigning.

The link below gives knife crime statistics in England.

https://benkinsella.org.uk/knife-crime-statistics/

Ben's story

Ben was just 16 years old when he was stabbed to death in a horrific act of senseless violence on 29th June 2008.

ben had been out at a local pub to celebrate the end of his GCSEs with his friends. On their way home, he and his friends realised they were being followed by three older teenagers. Scared and worried, they decided to run home.

B the older teenagers chased after them. they were seeking revenge for an altercation in the club that had taken place earlier that evening. Ben and his friends had absolutely nothing to do with the altercations, but when the older boys caught up with Ben, in an entirely unprovoked attack, they stabbed him to death.

Ben was the 17th teenage to be killed in London that year.

The consequences of knife crime have a lasting impact, destroying the lives of families and communities. The first step in prevention is awareness.

Download the below Knife-wise app and test your knowledge.