Opinion

Tired remedies won’t end youth knife crime

2 mins read Your Shout
There is no doubt that knife crime among young people is rising again, after a dip during the pandemic. In the year ending March 2023, there were 50,500 offences involving a sharp instrument, up by 73 per cent since 2015.
Andrea Coady, head of service user involvement at crime reduction charity Nacro. Picture: Nacro
Andrea Coady, head of service user involvement at crime reduction charity Nacro. Picture: Nacro

Knife crime has a disproportionate effect on young people, both as victims and perpetrators. Teenagers are the most likely age group to be killed by a knife, and often those who carry and use knives have already been victims of knife crime themselves.

Government initiatives such as banning zombie knives are welcome, but don’t tackle the fear that drives young people to pick up a knife as they leave the house because they feel they need protection. And increasing the punishments for carrying, or using, a knife will not deter someone who feels that carrying a weapon is the only way to keep themselves safe.

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