69% of parents in Essex are concerned about knife crime
The research comes from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit
69% of parents in Essex are concerned about knife crime in their local area, new research undertaken by the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) shows.
On top of that, two thirds of parents are worried about their child becoming a victim of knife crime.
When asked why they thought young people might carry a knife, parents suggested it might be to gain respect and status amongst other young people, as well as peer pressure.
Parents also said they felt the most important thing to tell their children about carrying a knife was the risk of death to either themselves or another person.
What are the police doing about these concerns?
In response to parent's concerns, the VVU said they've produced four short films and supportive literature to help parents talk to their children about the dangers of carrying a knife.
The videos have been produced with the help of young people who have been arrested for carrying a knife and who want to share their experiences with others to affect positive change.
What other work is going on?
The VVU also said they're currently working on a number of initiatives to reduce knife harm across Essex, including reducing the circulation of knives through targeted police enforcement activity, knife amnesty’s, and knife bins.
Education campaigns and targeted interventions with vulnerable young people are being run in an attempt to make the streets safer too.
"Education and awareness is one of the ways we can reduce levels of crime"
The chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, Roger Hirst:
“We want Essex to be a county that everyone feels safe in. Safe to go about their work, business and pleasure.
"And while violent crime is falling and being a victim of crime is rare, knife crime is too high and reducing it is extremely important to me and why I have invested heavily in the Violence and Vulnerability Unit.
“We know that education and awareness is one of the ways we can reduce levels of crime.
"We need young people to understand the truths about carrying a knife and understand the impact that one bad decision can have not only on one life but numerous lives and entire communities.
"As a parent myself I think it is vital we provide information and support on issues that parents might not be confident to tackle. I would encourage parents to watch our videos and have that conversation with their children about knife harm.”