Young people – knife crime

Carrying a knife for ‘protection’

Some young people feel they need to carry a weapon to protect themselves from gangs even if they have no intention of ever using it. However, statistics show that far from giving protection, by carrying a knife you are much more likely to be stabbed yourself.

Nothing kills a future like a knife

If you carry a knife you are putting your life and your future in danger. Carrying a weapon to protect yourself is still a crime and can carry a prison sentence of up to four years even if you don’t use it.

It is illegal to:

• carry a knife
• threaten someone with a knife
• commit a crime with the use of a weapon – like a robbery
• commit a crime by pretending you have a real knife. 

Worried about gang culture or knife crime?

• contact a counsellor in confidence at Childline or call 0800 1111 at any time
• speak to an adult you trust like a parent, youth worker or other family member
• get in touch with Gangsline  
• report non-urgent crime anonymously (remember: if you or someone you know is in serious danger, you should dial 999 for urgent help).