THE DANGERS of young people carrying knives will be spelled out to Rugby secondary school students in the coming months as part of a police campaign.
Officers will take knife surrender bins and knife arches into schools, and talk to pupils about the consequences of carrying blades.
The initiative was launched following concerns about a national rise in knife crime, particularly involving young people.
Inspector Wayne Boulton of Warwickshire Police said: “Nobody wants to see knife arches and knife surrender bins become permanent fixtures in schools, but used sparingly they can help to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife, deter those considering carrying a knife and catch those who choose to do so.
“Most people will be aware of the national problem around knife crime and while we don’t have a big problem, we want to be proactive in ensuring this remains the case.
“There are obvious dangers to carrying a knife, but young people don’t often think of some of the less obvious consequences.”
He said a conviction for carrying a knife can impact on a young person’s future prospects by preventing them from getting certain jobs, going to university or travelling to countries such as the United States.
He added: “The most serious consequence is that they will use it and somebody will get seriously hurt or worse. In Warwickshire in recent years we have seen the tragic consequences that can occur when someone chooses to carry a knife.
“I would like to thank all the schools that have taken part in this initiative. While we don’t have a big knife problem in our schools, working with them is the most effective way to get this important message to children. Their support will benefit the wider community.”
Warwickshire County Council’s assistant director of education and learning Paul Senior said: “Knife crime ruins lives. The initiative which will be progressed by the police and supported by schools will be part of a wider set of activities designed to keep local children and young people safe from harm.
“Safeguarding our children and young people from all forms of harm remains a key priority for all local schools and agencies.”
In September, thirty knives were surrendered to police in Rugby during a week-long knife awareness campaign.
