Gloucestershire PCC praises community group tackling knife crime
"Put The Knives Down Gloucester" was started following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Ramarni Crosby
Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner has praised a community group tackling knife crime in the city.
"Put The Knives Down Gloucester"Facebook group was created in response to the fatal stabbing of teenager Ramarni Crosby jsut before Christmas.
The 16-year-old was attacked on Stratton Road, Gloucester on Wednesday 15 December. Three teenagers, aged 15, 16 and 17, have been charged with his murder.
A flurry of support has overwhelmed the new Facebook group which aims to encourage young people away from engaging in knife crime.
PCC Chris Nelson, said: "I think it's great what Jasper and everyone has done.
"This year I think we need to hold a community event where we can bring together them with Gloucester City Council, the County Council, local MPs and the PCC's office.
"We know other various people and organisations who can help support this group and the community and find a sustainable solution to fighting knife crime."
A knife surrender evernt, oragnised by the group, was held in Gloucester Park on Wednesday 22 December to encourage young people to hand over weapons in a bid to keep them off the streets.
"The communities that cope best with fighting crime are those that take ownership and responsibility for fighting crime", continues Chris.
"So I think it's great when the community does something like this and step up to the plate and parents get involved and talk to other parents and say "we need to pay more attention to our young people".
"If we can get our youngsters more involved with music or sport, whether it's football, wrestling, rugby or anything at all really.
"It really sparks their interest and distracts them from going around in gangs which can often lead to violence."
One of Chris Nelson's pledges in his election manifesto is to put "more bobbies on the beat" which he hopes will tackle knife crime and all anti-social behaviour.