PETE Martin director of Redditch-based of the Self Defence and Youth Engagement Partnership is taking a new approach to tackling crime – and especially knife crime – which has been at the forefront of his work for more than 10 years.
Having spoken to thousands of young people in schools across Herefordshire and Worcestershire as well in other locations, Pete has concluded fear is a major reason some young people are carrying weapons.
It follows reports of a rise in the number of young people taking weapons into school and the age of people carrying knives is getting lower.
To help support young people in the area he is going to offer in 2022 mentoring and counselling to encourage them to put down the knives, as well continuing to provide positive activities.
“I have been promoting this for some years and now the message seems to be getting across,” said Pete.
“Young people have told us that fear of being attacked leads to the belief that carrying a knife is their only option to protect themselves.
“The threat of prison does nothing to stop this.
“Prison sentences for knife crime have been increasing but so has crime.
“We provide education to prove carrying a knife puts you in more danger.”
The public health approach has four levels – individual, relationship, community and societal.
Each level has factors that interact with those at different levels and an approach that targets multiple levels is more likely to have a sustained impact.
The new programme will provide support and mentoring to young people in fear or have diminished mental health because of the pandemic.
For more details contact Pete at Redditchselfdefence.co.uk
A TOTAL of 294 knives and bladed weapons were surrendered at West Mercia police stations during Operation Sceptre, its week-long drive to take knives off the street.
During the blitz officers also carried out 50 sweeps in areas known for weapons being deposited.
To reinforce the message and to emphasise the force’s approach to early intervention and knife crime, knife bins at local police stations will remain in place.
The operation ran from November 15-21 and included 88 visits to schools and colleges by officers to educate young people in the dangers of carrying a knife, speaking to over 15,000 students and school children.
