Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey has backed a new campaign to get illegal knives – and other weapons – off Cleveland’s streets.
Charity Crimestoppers launched the campaign today across the force area.
The campaign urges people to share what they know about illegal knives and other weapons 100% anonymously.
It aims to drive down serious violence and protect local communities from the impact incidents of serious violence causes.
The campaign also wants to empower residents to play a vital role in making their communities safer, without fear and without giving any personal details.
Crimestoppers is a completely anonymous way to pass on information about weapons, including information about who is carrying, storing, or supplying them.
Information given to the charity cannot be traced and callers will never be asked for their name or any identifying details.
The campaign will be visible across Cleveland through targeted social media, community outreach and local partnerships, focusing on raising awareness of the safe and secure ways people can speak up.
Upstream of the crime
Cleveland PCC Matt Storey, said: “When the police are called to deal with an individual involved in a knife-related crime, it is already too late. By that point, someone could be seriously injured or killed.
“We must get upstream of knife crime, by reducing the availability of dangerous weapons and stopping them falling into the hands of people who want to cause harm.
“A lot of this work is already underway via the violence reduction partnership, CURV, which seeks to develop long-term, high-impact interventions to stop the next generation from being caught up in violence.
“This campaign is an important addition to these efforts. I encourage residents to tell Crimestoppers where weapons are being stored, sold or manufactured – you will remain 100% anonymous at all times.”
Devastating effect
Fleur Brown, Regional Manager North East at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Serious violence involving weapons like knives has a devastating effect on communities across Cleveland.
“We know that many people may have information but feel unsure about coming forward. That’s why this campaign is so important. Crimestoppers provides a safe, anonymous route for anyone who wants to share what they know without fear of being identified.
“Even small pieces of information can make a big difference in helping to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
Cleveland Police, who are supporting the campaign, said recent reductions in knife and sharp instrument-related crimes in Middlesbrough show progress is possible.
However, the force stressed that continued community information remains vital in preventing further harm.
Education is central
Cleveland Police knife crime lead, Chief Inspector Chris Pringle, said: “Knife crime has a devastating impact on communities, and we are committed to preventing harm and bringing offenders to justice.
“Education, community engagement and partnership working remain central to our approach. Information from the public is vital in helping us understand where weapons are coming from and who is carrying them.
“If you have information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact police on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.”
To pass on what you know anonymously, please complete an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
No-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. computer IP addresses are never traced with Fearless.org and Crimestoppers-uk.org,
For telephone calls to the independent charity’s UK Contact Centre, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always.
Together, communities can take a stand against violence and help protect those most at risk.