knife crime research - television: crimewatch

How parents can help combat knife crime

Tackling knife crime

On Crimewatch Roadshow, we’ve seen how South Wales Police are using a cartoon character called Robby Bluetooth to inform youngsters of the dangers associated with knife crime.

But how close to home does it truly hit? And what role can parents play in helping to combat it?

First of all, it’s important to pick up on just why some young people now feel that it’s necessary to carry a knife and to be aware of the legalities involved.

For instance, it's generally an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority (for example, a good reason is a chef on the way to work carrying their own knives). And the outcome for carrying one? A maximum of four years in jail and a fine of £5,000. But why take the risk of getting yourself into trouble in the first place?

Youngsters today face all kinds of pressures and problems and while your child might not actually be carrying a knife, they may have talked about it or know someone who has.

If you’re a parent who is worried about knife crime and how it might affect your children, the DirectGov website has some helpful and practical advice.

More information

• • Directgov: Talk about knives –http://talkaboutknives.direct.gov.uk/index.html
• • BBC News: Bluetooth rap tackles knife crime –http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7935361.stm

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