GMP respond to knife crime with new campaign ‘open your eyes to knives’

In response to public concern, Greater Manchester Police has launched a new campaign ‘Open Your Eyes to Knives’ today (Monday 11 March) to raise awareness of the dangers of knives and bladed articles hidden in our communities.

GMP are seeing a large number of knives being hidden in public places and used for crime purposes rather than being carried by the offender.

 

 

Supporting Operation Sceptre, a national week of action running from the 11 – 17 March, the latest campaign will run alongside GMP’s operations over the coming weeks and months to tackle knife crime, incorporating a range of policing tactics including hotspot targeting and stop and search methods.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the total number of incidents involving knives or sharp instruments reported in Greater Manchester between September 2017 – September 2018 was 3,139.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/125661/greater-manchester-crime-rates-highest-outside-london

Yousef Makki, a 17-year-old Manchester Grammar School student was one of the recent victims of knife crime as he was stabbed to death in Hale Barns area of Trafford on Saturday 2 March.

Greater Manchester Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts commented: “Recent events have sadly raised so many questions about the state of the knife crime problem in Greater Manchester and across the country.

“There is no denying it is a problem for society and one that the police, local authorities, health and education providers are working hard to address.

“The only way to properly tackle this problem is by working together with communities and our partners.

“Greater Manchester Police will be continuing to run operations to tackle knife crime over the coming weeks and months, incorporating a range of policing tactics including hotspot targeting and stop and search methods as well as working with partners to better understand why people are carrying knives while educating them of the consequences of doing so.

“The problem of knife possession is not going to be properly resolved quickly but I hope that the tragic loss of a 17-year-old boy’s life will bring home to people the potential outcome that follows from the carrying and use of knives.

“I also hope parents will also take note and open up that conversation with their children about carrying knives - better an awkward conversation now than a devastating one later.”

Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, also revealed new plans to prevent knife crime in February:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/125989/home-secretary-reveals-new-plans-to-prevent-knife-crime

If you have concerns about someone you know or care about carrying or hiding a knife, or if you are aware that knives are being concealed in your community call the Police on 101 or talk to them via LiveChat on the GMP website.