Knife crime is any crime involving a knife or bladed/pointed item. This includes owning or possessing a knife or other banned weapon and/or using a knife to threaten, injure or to commit another offence, such as theft or criminal damage.

The law states that you CANNOT carry a bladed or pointed item (including a folding pocketknife if the blade is more than 3 inches) in a public place without a good or lawful reason. This could be for your job if you are for example a chef or hairdresser, or you may enjoy hobbies such as fishing. However, if you are found to be carrying a knife and explain it is for reasons such as these, you must be able to show that you are either heading to or from work or have other equipment with you such as fishing rods etc… 

Some weapons that include knives and bladed items are banned and cannot be carried in public or even kept in private areas such as your own home. You can find a list of banned weapons here.

We know that most young people don’t carry knives, even if they might tell people they do. However, in order to keep people safe, we need everyone to be aware of the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.

So, if you know of someone who does carry a knife, it is important to play your part in preventing knife crime by reporting what you know to the police or a trusted adult such as your parents, teachers or youth workers, who are always there to help.

Together we can stop knife crime in the North East.

A police officer can stop and search you, as well as a teacher on education grounds or whilst on a visit under the care of staff, if they have reason to believe that you are carrying an offensive weapon or a bladed or pointed item, a firearm, drugs or stolen property. This is to keep you and everyone else safe and prevent a dangerous situation from happening.

There are also other times when you might be checked for carrying these items such as when attending festivals, music events and theme parks.

If you are caught carrying a knife, even if you do not intend to use it, you could receive a community sentence, a fine or a prison sentence of up to 4 years – even if it’s the first time that you’ve been found with a knife.

This means that even as a young person you could get a criminal record, which can stop you from doing certain jobs or where you are allowed to travel.

THINK before picking up a knife.

Yes. This is known as a ‘Joint Enterprise’.

Joint Enterprise allows two or more people to be convicted and sentenced for the same crime, even if they had different levels of involvement, such as encouraging the offender or preventing the victim from escaping.

So, if you know someone who is carrying a knife, please contact the police or speak to a trusted adult such as your parents, teachers or youth workers, and together we can end knife crime.

Carrying a knife increases your risk of getting hurt and it is highly likely that you will become injured by your own knife.

If caught with a knife or bladed weapon you will be charged with possession – even if you are just holding it for someone else.

Remember Knives Impact Everyone. Whether you are carrying a knife or you are a victim, the consequences effect family, friends, emergency services and communities.

No, never feel pressured to carry or hide a knife for someone. If you are caught with a knife or bladed item in your possession, it will be you that ends up in trouble.

Are they really a friend if they are putting you in danger?

If someone asks you to carry or hide a knife, please contact the police or speak to a trusted adult such as your parents, teachers or youth workers, who are there to help.

Being a good friend isn’t always easy, but there are lots of places you can go to for help – either for a friend or yourself. You can talk to parents, teachers, youth workers, various charities or the police who can provide support.

You could help prevent your friend from making a terrible choice. Remember, Knives Impact Everyone.

Never try to take the knife away from someone as it never ends well, and you or someone else could get hurt.

If you find yourself in a situation where someone has a knife, always run to safety and tell the police or a trusted adult once you are out of danger.

If you don’t know where you are and need help, you can use What3Words which generates 3 words that you can share with the police or a trusted adult so that they can find you and provide support. What3Words is free, available for iOS and Android devices and it even works offline.

Knives Impact Everyone.

Whether you’re carrying a knife or you’re a victim, the consequences impact everyone; family, friends, emergency services and communities.

There are a range of services available to support you including:

• Northumbria Police: Contact 101 for support or 999 in an emergency. You can also find more information and report a crime by visiting www.northumbria.police.uk
• Fearless (crimestoppers) – For advice and to anonymously report crime visit www.fearless.org
• Support in the community: Speak to family, youth workers, sports/out of school coaches or tutors.
• Support in school: Speak to teachers and any other staff in school.
• Childline – provides support and advice for young people about a range of issues. Call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
• Northumbria Victim and Witness Service – For support for anyone who has been a victim of crime, visit https://nvws.northumbria.police.uk/