Teen Caught with Gun in Fife as Police Seize Weapons from Kids
A 14-year-old was caught with a gun in Fife amid rising youth violence
Crime
Fife, Scotland, Youth Violence, Weapons, Police
Fife: A teenage boy was caught with a gun during a police stop-and-search. The 14-year-old had the firearm after reports of an incident last September. This is part of a troubling trend, with 123 cases of kids carrying weapons in 2024.
Between April and September, many young people were found with knives and drugs. In June, a girl had a weapon and drugs in Ayr. The next month, a ten-year-old was caught with a knife in Edinburgh. These findings come from a report by 1919 Magazine.
The Record’s Our Kids … Our Future campaign highlights the need for safe spaces for youth. They want the Scottish Government to fund these spaces and for social media to remove violent content quickly. This is crucial for protecting young people.
The Scottish Police Federation says fewer officers in schools means missed chances to prevent crime. Chair David Threadgold noted that police need to make quick decisions when facing armed individuals, and their presence in communities is vital.
In June, 16-year-old Kory McCrimmon died after a stabbing in Glasgow. A 13-year-old was charged with his murder. This incident shows the serious risks of youth carrying weapons. Scottish Labour’s Katy Clark expressed deep concern over children with such dangerous items.
Experts warn that without urgent action, more young lives could be lost. The Record has raised awareness about violence in schools and public spaces. A ScotRail driver mentioned that trains have become “mobile gang huts” since the pandemic.
Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Liam Kerr criticized the SNP for not addressing rising youth crime. He urged the government to provide education and resources to prevent children from turning to crime.
A Scottish Government spokesperson stated that crime has decreased overall. They emphasized the importance of preventing youth from engaging in criminal activities and supporting them effectively. They have invested in programs to help young people across Scotland.