Campaigner urges Government for early intervention as Zombie Knives ban takes effect

An East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire knife crime campaigner is calling for more government action, stating that banning "zombie-style" knives alone is not enough to tackle the growing problem. The campaigner is urging for increased funding for early intervention programs to address the root causes of knife crime.

As of today, zombie-style knives and machetes are officially banned in England and Wales. The move is part of the government's wider efforts to combat rising knife-related violence, but some believe it’s only a small part of the solution.

Christina Gabbitas, an award-winning author and campaigner, has partnered with Humberside Police in a proactive approach to the issue. Through her books, she visits schools to educate children about the dangers of county lines, a criminal network that exploits vulnerable young people. She believes that early education is crucial in preventing young people from becoming involved in crime.

Christina is advocating for more educational initiatives in schools, highlighting the importance of teaching children about the risks of gang involvement and knife crime from an early age. While she supports the ban on dangerous weapons, she stresses that it must be complemented by greater government investment in youth-focused interventions.

“We need more than just bans,” Gabbitas said. “We need to address the reasons young people turn to crime in the first place, and that starts with education and support.”