KNIFE CRIME
Runnymede officers have just taken part in Operation Sceptre. This is a national campaign which runs twice a year to tackle the dangers of knife crime through operational activity and raising awareness of the dangers of carrying knives. Reducing knife crime remains a priority for policing nationally with knives or sharp instruments accounting for 39% of all homicides.
According to the NHS’s Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) in 2019/20, 16.2% of those admitted to hospital for assault by sharp object were aged 18 or younger and 92% were male. While knife crime remains relatively low in Surrey, in 2018/19 we experienced a large percentage increase in knife and sharp instrument offences.
We have been working closely with local schools to raise awareness amongst young people that carrying a knife can have fatal consequences. As well as crime prevention, we are running proactive operations — in particular targeting ‘County Lines’ gangs who often use vulnerable people to assist them in drug-dealing and pull them into a world of violence to the point where they carry a weapon to feel ‘safe’.
There are many harmful myths about knives, so here are some important facts:
- Police are allowed to stop and search someone if they believe a weapon is being carried.
- There is no safe place to stab someone. Knives can easily kill, or cause paralysis or serious long-term effects to the victim of a stabbing.
- Statistics show that carrying a knife does not protect you. Instead, it makes you more vulnerable and places you in greater danger of serious harm. You can be seen as threatening and you might also end up being seriously hurt by your own weapon.
- Carrying a knife (Possession) is a serious offence. It is illegal to carry a knife “to protect yourself”, even if you do not use it, and it can carry a prison sentence of up to four years.
- Having a criminal record could stop you gaining entry into your chosen college or university, getting a job and could place restrictions on you travelling to some countries like the United States of America.
Please think about how a promising future could be ruined by carrying or using a knife. Please speak to us or contact Crimestoppers anonymously if you think someone is carrying a knife – it can be difficult, but it will help ensure that that weapon cannot be used to cause serious injury, or worse. If you want to get rid of a knife there are several Knife Amnesty Bins located around Surrey including Staines and Woking Police Stations. A Knife Amnesty Bin means that you can dispose of knives and other weapons safely.