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Knife Crime

Date published: 07 November 2023 13:44

What are we doing to tackle knife crime?

We are all too aware of the consequences and impact knife crime can have on individuals, their families and the wider communities.

Knife crime and violent crime continuities to be a priority for us and we are making progress to tackle this issue.

Dedicated teams

We have dedicated teams that carry out targeted enforcement every days throughout the year. These teams work to disrupt criminal activity and remove weapons from the streets. Their work includes stop searches, vehicle checks, warrants and high visibility patrols.

Neighbourhood Teams

Our local neighbourhood teams work with the community to locate and seize weapons, make arrests for possession of knives and other banned weapons and disrupt the drug supply networks. This is particularly important, as we know there are clear links between violent crime and drug supply.

Education

A vital part of our work is through education. Educating younger people about the dangers of carrying knives and encouraging parents to speak to their children about the consequences of this. We work closely with schools and community groups who are able to share these messages and prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

Recent and tragic cases have shown how vital it is for us to work with young people about the consequences of carrying a knife and how one decision can change the rest of their lives.

What is knife crime?

A knife is classed as an offensive weapon. Knife crime includes any offence where a sharp instrument is used or possessed that would pierce the skin.

Knife crime includes:

  • carrying a knife or trying to buy a knife if you are under 18
  • threatening someone with a knife
  • owning a banned knife
  • injuring or murdering somebody with a knife
  • intent to injure or harm somebody with a knife
  • a robbery or burglary where a knife was

Support and advice

There is lots of help and advice out there and organisations that can help.

You can find information about knife crime and help and advice on the website knivestakelives.co.uk

Offensive Weapons Act 2019

The Offensive Weapons Act has changed. Whilst it has always been an offence to carry a bladed article in a public place, it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private.

What we mean by private is a place other than:

  • a public place
  • school premises
  • further education premises, or
  • a prison

Knife amnesty bins

There are knife amnesty bins in the following locations where you can dispose of any knives anonymously:

  • Junction of Warmsworth Road/Anelay Road, Balby, Doncaster
  • Junction of Broxholme Lane/Highfield Road/Netherhall Road, Doncaster city centre
  • Eastwood Lane, Rotherham town centre
  • The Crofts, Rotherham town centre
  • Wolseley Road, Sharrow, Sheffield
  • Birley Moor Road, Frencheville, Sheffield
  • Devonshire Green (off Fitzwilliam Street), Sheffield city centre
  • Churchfield Police Station, Barnsley