Ask yourself, what’s the point? No knife is worth anybody’s life

FORCEWIDE

The detrimental impact that one knife can have on so many lives is devastating. In the last year and a half, six families have been left navigating a lifetime of heartache, grief, and despair after losing their loved one at the hands of a knife.

In the hope of saving others the same heartache, the families of those left shattered by knife crime, alongside first responders who tried to save them, and the detectives who then sought justice for them, share their own stories of the detrimental impact one knife can have on so many lives in a bid to tackle knife crime across our region.  

Detective Superintendent Al Curtis from our Major Crime Team leading the campaign said: “Nobody should ever lose their life at the hands of a knife, and the consequences of somebody using one can be catastrophic.  

“These are not all premeditated attacks by people who sought out specialist or adapted knives, most are incidents involving easily accessible, general household items which have caused deadly consequences as a result of momentary madness whether that be at home, on a night out, or in the street.

“Not only does it impact the family and friends of those who have lost their loved one, it is then the subsequent ripple effect on everybody involved whether they witnessed the incident as it happened or the emergency services who have helped the victim in seeking urgent medical attention.

“Knife crime can impact people from any walk of life, that is why we continue to support the national knife surrender Operation Sceptre which launches on Monday 11 November.

“It is really important to educate our communities that by possessing some types of knives, even just at home, you could be committing a criminal offence. It is also crucial to mention the fact that even if you are not the one carrying a knife, but you were there when a knife was wielded, you too could suffer the criminal consequences.

“By taking part in operations like this, not only can we educate people, but we can remove unwanted knives, and other bladed weapons, from our communities.

“Whether you find yourself in a confrontational situation at home, or are thinking about carrying a knife for your protection, ask yourself, what is the point? One knife impacts more than one life.”

For more about our latest campaign, latest news, and victim support head to our dedicated campaign page.