Parents of murdered Reading schoolboy speak at knife crime conference
Thames Valley Police say they need schools, parents and children to spread the anti-knife crime message
The police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley Police Matthew Barber has shed light on the current state of local knife crime during an anti-knife crime conference.
As the commissioner responsible for ensuring public safety in the region, Barber addressed the pressing issue of knife-related incidents and emphasized the need for a collective effort to tackle the issue - by involving schools, parents and children in spreading a life saving anti-knife message.
He told us thames Valley boasts one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the country, making it a relatively safe place to reside. However, Barber acknowledged the tragic reality of lives lost and individuals severely injured due to knife crime. "Any one of those instances is one too many," he expressed, highlighting the urgency to drive down knife crime rates.
With a focus on combating knife possession, Barber highlighted the implementation of Operation Deter—a zero-tolerance approach adopted by the police force to deter individuals from carrying knives. This initiative aims to create a safer environment by preventing potential offenders from arming themselves.
The anti-knife crime conference served as a platform for engaging with schools and parents, recognizing the importance of imparting knowledge and instilling a culture of non-violence among children. Barber stressed the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to educate children about the risks associated with knife crime.
"One of the really important things that's come out of today is that we need a much more joined-up approach about how we have those conversations with children within schools," said Barber. In order to ensure a broad reach, more police officers from Thames Valley will be assigned to support schools, ensuring that every educational institution receives the necessary guidance and support.
Barber underscored the significance of parental involvement in addressing knife crime. He highlighted the responsibility parents bear for their children's actions, urging them not to shy away from their role. "We all have that responsibility to pay, and it's important that we don't ignore parents in that conversation," he emphasized.
Efforts are underway to develop strategies for engaging parents effectively and equipping them with the knowledge needed to address knife crime within their families. Barber stressed the importance of community-wide discussions to foster awareness and provide the support parents require.
The conference sparked poignant discussions about child safety, shedding light on the critical need to prioritize the prevention of knife crime. Barber echoed the collective concern, stating, "I really hope it's not my child that's carrying a knife." He emphasized that self-reflection and open dialogue are essential in promoting a safe environment for all.
Along with PCC Barber, the parents of Murdered Reading schoolboy Olly Stephens also delivered an impassioned speech at the conference. His mum Amanda said: "the loss of her son left us with a massive void in our lives, an Olly shaped hole. Life grew so unbearable we had to have something to be positive and focused on to get us through".
As the conference concluded, Barber expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address this vital issue and reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, schools, parents, and the wider community to eradicate knife crime in Thames Valley.