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Knife crime
If you have information about knife crime call Cambridgeshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. If you would rather remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
Knife crime includes:
- carrying a knife
- trying to buy a knife if you are under 18
- threatening someone with a knife
- owning a banned knife
- injuring or fatally wounding somebody with a knife
- intent to injure or harm somebody with a knife
- a robbery or burglary where a knife was carried as a weapon
Ways to spot potential knife crime
Young people may be involved with knife crime if they behave in the following ways:
- become secretive about where they are, what they are doing, who they are seeing
- hide the contents of their bags or pockets
- become secretive about who is calling or messaging
- have multiple mobile phones
- go missing for periods of time or play truant from school
- become scared to go out or reticent to go to certain places
- seem scared, quiet or angry a lot more than they used to
- have marks or injuries that they seem very secretive about
If you are concerned about a young person’s involvement with knife crime the Action for Children website offers advice and guidance.
Advice for young people
The following advice is for young people concerned about knife crime:
- avoid carrying weapons - if you don’t take it with you, it won’t be used
- ignore taunts or call-outs on social media
- while walking away is often the hardest thing to do, it is the safest and won’t get you into trouble with the police – staying alive to take care of your family and reach your potential has to be worth it
- see the bigger picture - carrying a knife can lead to 4 years in prison, for offences when a knife is used on another person the consequences could lead to many years in prison, cause serious injuries or death, as well as heartache and emotional distress
If you are a young person who is worried about your involvement, or a friend’s involvement in knife crime, a good option is to speak to an adult you trust and talk to them about your concerns. You can also contact ChildLine on 0800 1111.
Visit the Ben Kinsella Trust website which has lots of information and resources for young people and parents, to educate you on knife crime.
Fearless also offers advice and guidance; there is also a page where you can pass on information about crime anonymously.