Knife crime
Knife crime is any crime which involves a knife or sharp instrument. This can include:
- Carrying a knife
- Threatening someone with a knife
- Intending to hurt someone with a knife
- Using a knife to injure or kill someone
- Carrying knives during a robbery or burglary
- The involvement of a knife or knives in gang-related offences
- Someone under 18 trying to buy a knife
Quick links
Knife crime
Knife crime is any crime which involves a knife or sharp instrument. This can include:
- Carrying a knife
- Threatening someone with a knife
- Intending to hurt someone with a knife
- Using a knife to injure or kill someone
- Carrying knives during a robbery or burglary
- The involvement of a knife or knives in gang-related offences
- Someone under 18 trying to buy a knife
County lines
County lines is when gangs exploit children to transport and sell drugs, typically between cities to smaller towns. Those involved have dedicated phone lines for taking orders, they use children who are less likely to be stopped by police. This activity is criminal exploitation and allows adult dealers to avoid the risk of arrest.
Taking advantage of a young person, to then persuade them into carrying out criminal acts is exploitation.
Young people may be recruited through grooming, this can happen in four stages.
Key facts
You can play a role in stopping knife crime becoming a part of your child’s life. Understanding the law and talking to your child about the dangers can help keep them safe.
By knowing the law, you can make your child aware of the consequences of their actions.
Getting caught with a knife:
If your child is caught with a knife or if they were carrying it for someone else, they will be arrested and prosecuted. They can go to prison for up to four years.
No ‘safe place’ to stab someone:
A wound no matter where in the body can still be life threatening.
Joint enterprise:
Even if your child is not the one using the knife, if they are present when someone is killed using a knife they could still be prosecuted. They could be sent to prison for murder under ‘joint enterprise’.
Criminal record:
If your child has a criminal record it may limit their job opportunities, affect their ability to obtain certain types of insurances and you may be denied entry to some countries such as Australia or the USA.
Increased risk of harm:
Carrying a knife increases the risk of harm, it could be used against someone else or your child.
You can play a key role in helping prevent your child from being involved in knife crime, these are some things you can be aware of:
- Know your knives: Know the knives you have in the house, and ensure they are stored safely.
- Online purchases: Online retailers tend to have fewer checks on the purchaser, keep an eye on what your child is buying online.
- Stay engaged: Understand the social media platforms your child uses and learn how they choose to engage with them.
- Know their circle: Be familiar with who you child spends time with and the places they frequent. Encourage them to spend time in safe areas where possible.
Recognising the signs
If you are concerned your child may be carrying a knife, consider these questions:
- Do they have new friends who you’ve not met?
- Do they send and receive more messages than they used to?
- Do they leave the house abruptly for no clear reason?
- Are they out more than before, particularly at night?
- Are they secretive or protective with their clothing or bag?
There are many reasons why someone chooses to carry a knife, it is important to understand the why to be able to support your child. This may include:
- Fear of becoming a victim of a crime
- For self-defence, better to do so than not
- Peer pressure, or being pressured to do so
- For respect
- To intimidate other people
- Involvement in criminal activities
TRUSTED conversations: Having open conversations with your child
It is important to have open conversations with your child, especially when concerns about knife crime arise. While it is natural to feel concerned and to panic, responding in this way might push your child away. Instead approach this with a calm, supportive mindset.
Having open conversations with your child can build trust, help them feel safe and let them know you are there for them. The following approach, abbreviated to TRUSTED, can guide you through having an effective empathetic dialogue when having difficult conversations.
Talk Openly: Encourage an open and honest conversation. Let them know they can talk to you about anything without fear, immediate judgement or immediate punishment.
Reassurance: Let them know that most young people do not carry knives, ease their fears. If they are afraid of someone or something specific, reassure them that something can be done to resolve this without carrying a knife.
Understanding: Be ready to hear answers you may not like and respect. Know that they will have their own perspective. Do not dismiss their feelings, be understanding and listen.
Safe Place: Talk to them where they feel safest. If you’re unsure, try talking to them on a walk- not in a fixed space this can help them feel less pressured.
Teach De-escalation: Let them know that walking away from a fight is the braver thing to do. Teach them how to deescalate an argument reminding them that the safest thing to do is walking away.
Educate yourself: Know the facts about knife crime, understand the consequences and be prepared to answer any questions they may have about it.
Don’t make it about your own fears: focus on their concerns and feelings rather than projecting your worries. You are there to listen, only share your fears if it helps them understand the potential impact of their actions.
Resources
Guiding Young Minds: provide specialist support for young people, empowering them to overcome challenges in their lives. They offer mentoring, giving guidance to young people and specialist support parents in supporting their children.
Service Six: specialises in providing mental health and wellbeing support for young people and their families. Offering a variety of support from therapy, family support sessions, group support. To get support complete the self-referral form on their website.
Ben Kinsella Trust: is an anti-knife crime charity who provides resources for parents and young people about youth violence and knife crime.
No knives better lives: Is a prevention, early intervention and education program in Scotland. They provide information about knife crime and youth violence.
Victim Support: offer a live chat and support line providing young people with specialist support to help cope with the image and effects of crime.
- Supportline: 08081689111
- Live chat