Cleveland Police respond as area named knife crime hotspot

Cleveland: Recent research shows that Cleveland has the second-highest rate of serious knife crimes in the UK. It’s a concerning situation for the community.

According to a study by ‘Get Licensed’, Cleveland recorded 812 knife offences, which is about 14.02 per 10,000 people. Only London has a higher rate.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker mentioned that the police and their partners are making progress in reducing knife-related incidents among young people in Teesside.

However, he acknowledged that there’s still a long way to go. He emphasized that policing is just one part of the solution to this issue.

Since 2023, Cleveland Police has been running a campaign called ‘Carrying a Blade Doesn’t Give You an Edge’. This initiative aims to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives.

Baker stressed the importance of community involvement, urging parents and caregivers to help guide the younger generation towards a brighter future without knives.

He pointed out that kids who carry knives are at a higher risk of becoming victims themselves, and if they use a knife, they could end up in prison.

The police also have ‘Operation Deterrence’ in place, where officers conduct patrols in high-risk areas. They stop and search individuals who seem suspicious.

If someone is found with a knife, they are arrested. This approach has led to an increase in arrests for possession of bladed articles.

In 2024, there were 156 arrests, up from 140 the previous year. Baker mentioned that they work closely with various agencies to understand why young people carry knives.

There are many organizations that can help steer young people away from knife crime and violence. This includes support from the Youth Offending Team, which offers services to help kids build self-esteem and address mental health issues.

Baker concluded by saying that everyone needs to work together to reduce knife crime in the community, making Teesside a safer place for everyone.