Young people concerned by knife crime
Neil Puffett
Monday, March 16, 2009
More than one in six young people in England and a third of those in London believe knife crime is a problem in their area, a study has found.
The survey from the children's commissioner for England quizzed more than 1,700 children and young people on levels of concern over gun and knife crime.
It found seven per cent said gun crime is an issue where they live - rising to 18 per cent of young people from lower socio-economic groups in Manchester.
The anonymous poll also showed that two per cent of those aged 12 to 17 actually carry a knife illegally, with fear or self-protection the most common reasons given.
Of the 968 questioned from the 12- to 17-year-old age group, four respondents said they had been in possession of a gun illegally.
Sir Al Aynsley-Green, children's commissioner for England, said: "There have been a number of fatal stabbings or shootings of teenagers in the last couple of years - every one has been tragic and they rightly attract attention.
"But, at the same time, it is vital that we do not breed fear among young people - we know fear and self-protection are the main reasons why young people carry knives and we must try to reduce that."
