Lincolnshire Police myth bust knife crime rumours among young people

We're hearing that young people across Lincolnshire are being pushed a narrative about knife crime on social media - causing increased concern in teens that more people are carrying knives.

Lincolnshire Police have called the social posts out as 'myth', and are focusing on the issue at The Happening - an initiative in Sleaford, aimed to divert people away from being involved in serious violence.

Sergeant Mel Standbrook Leads the project says despite knife crime being lower in the county than other areas, it's still important to educate young people. Sergeant Stanbrook said: "Some young people will talk about being fearful. A lot of them will look at social media and be driven by what they're seeing, which makes them think that there is a bigger problem than there actually is.

"It's really important to recognise that we are in a safe county, but people might eventually move away. We need to give them strategies and tools so they can protect themselves.

"We look at why somebody would carry a knife, rather than what might be the final result."

The centre also looks at and encourages hobbies, as they can go a long way in helping to divert a young person away from crime.