OPERATION SCEPTER

OPERATION SCEPTRE

KNIFE CRIME

Why do people carry knives?

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It makes them feel big.

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To earn respect.

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For street cred.

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And the biggest one – for protection.

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 “You can't always roll with your friends. You're not always going to have someone to back you”

 “If there is sufficient danger, then I'm going to pull it out, threaten with it then get rid of it

Do you really know the facts?

Someone under the age of 18 is arrested every two hours for possession of bladed article.

Possession of a bladed article in a public place can carry up to a 4 year prison sentence If you are caught with a knife it doesn't matter if it was for your own protection or you were carrying it for someone else - you will be arrested and prosecuted. Self-protection is not a reasonable excuse for carrying an offensive weapon.

Are there legal reasons to carry a knife?

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It's illegal to carry a knife or offensive weapon in a public place without a reasonable excuse.

Reasonable excuses include those who need them for work, like fishermen or carpet fitters, but this only applies while they're actually at work.

Types of knives.. You’ll be committing an offence if you buy any of these items. Possessing a knife (whether it’s

yours or not) is illegal and can result in a prison sentence. Some knives are illegal for even adults to buy, they are:

 Flick knives – also called ‘switchblades’ or ‘automatic knives’.  Butterfly knives  Disguised knives – in which the blade is hidden in something like a belt buckle or fake mobile phone.  Zombie knives  There is a long list of knives which are illegal for an adult or child to possess.

Who does knife crime affect?

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Knife crime can affect anyone!

Knife crime can affect anyone, not just people in gangs. Innocent bystanders can get caught in the middle of other people's disputes and suffer trauma, serious injuries or worse.

Family members, friends, colleagues can all be affected..

Consequences..

 Victim?

 Injury or even death

 Mental health, trauma, depression

 Money issues/unable to work

 Family pressures, after care

Consequences…

 Suspect?

 Life, prison sentence

 Loss of family, friends

 Loss of job, criminal record obtained, money

 Repercussions

CRIMINAL RECORD

 What is a criminal record?

A criminal record or police record is a record of a person's criminal history

If you have a criminal record, it can change your life!

College/university?

That job you really want?

That holiday you’ve always dreamed of..?

Car insurance?

DID YOU KNOW..?

7 in 10 knife related injuries are received from the victims own knife.

JOINT ENTERPRISE PROSECUTION

So what can you do?

Do you know someone who carries a knife?

REPORT IT

 You can inform the police on 101

 You can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website which is accessible through a computer or smartphone

 If you see someone in public carrying a knife or a bladed instrument, call the police immediately on 999

 Do not be afraid to stand up for what is right!