Knife Crime Awareness: 'Having a prosthetic eye shows kids the harm a knife can do'
An ex-gang member is campaigning against knife crime alongside Staffordshire Police
Last updated 19th Nov 2021
An ex-gang member from Staffordshire has been helping kids realise the dangers of carrying a knife by sharing his story.
Mark Bracewell, from Stoke, found himself behind bars for knife point robbery, but it was in prison where he decided to turn his life around and do good for the community.
He lost his eye after being stabbed in the face five years ago, and saw his best friend shot dead when he was just 14.
"Seven years of my life were taken away for carrying a knife. I’ve been stabbed, I lay there and I cried out for my life because I thought I was dying", he said.
"So I’ve experienced that physical pain, but also that emotional pain in the fact that the rest of my life I have a deformity and a disability that I have to live with, because somebody chose to carry a knife and use it on me that day."
Now, Mark tours schools telling his story and uses his disability to teach children about the realities of knife crime.
"Having a prosthetic (eye) that I can easily take out means the kids can clearly see the harm a knife can do", he said.
"I can take my fake eye out, hold it up and say – do you want this to happen to you? Or imagine if you did this to someone else, how would you feel?”
A two-pronged crackdown on knife crime
From 15-21 November, like Mark Bracewell, police forces across the country have been focused on raising awareness about knife crime in communities.
Staffordshire Police's Ditch the Blade campaign, which informs on the impact of knife crime on families and parents, will run alongside Operation Spectre.
Operation Spectre is an educational and practical police campaign to crack down on knife crime.
Officers will be highlighting the dangers of carrying a knife through engagement and advice, while weapons sweeps and patrols will be undertaken to target and disrupt offenders.
Police will remind retail staff on their responsibilities around selling knives to customers, while knife amnesty bins will be at Burton, Cannock and Longton Police Stations.
Most people carry due to fear of others carrying
Rob Hessell, Chief Inspector at Staffordshire Police, said: “Knife crime can affect families from various backgrounds and areas. It is important we break down the stigma and encourage open and honest discussion on the topic.
“Parents and families can help to prevent knife crime. Speak to your children about the issues, about their thoughts, worries etc around it and encourage open and honest discussion.
"Most young people carry due to fear of others carrying, when in fact the reality is only 1 in a 100 carry."
Both Staffordshire and Cheshire police have been involved in the week long action against knife crime for Operation Sceptre.
Advice and information on Staffordshire Police's Ditch the Blade campaign can be found on their website: www.staffordshire.police.uk/ditchtheblade