'Knives shatter lives' - Crimestoppers launches campaign in Northampton that urges young people to anonymously share information
A campaign has been launched by Crimestoppers to encourage young people and their families to anonymously share what they know about knife crime in Northampton.
The charity’s youth service - Fearless.org – is leading this initiative, supported by West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire Police, with the overall aim to prevent knife crime and make communities safer across the county.
The campaign will include social media posts, school sessions and local engagement to encourage people to recognise the signs that someone may be carrying a weapon and to report it 100 percent anonymously.
Crimestoppers also says Northamptonshire Police has placed orange knife amnesty bins around the county to allow the public to dispose of any knives safely and anonymously, with no questions asked.
Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers East Midlands Regional Manager, said: “No one should lose their life to knife crime, yet it continues to harm families and communities across Northamptonshire.
“Through Fearless.org, we want to empower young people to speak up safely and without fear if they’re worried about someone carrying a knife.
“We’re also reaching out to parents and residents who may suspect someone is involved in knife crime. Sharing what you know anonymously could help prevent serious harm and even save a life.
“Our charity has always kept its promise: we never ask for names, we can’t trace calls or online contact, and you’ll stay 100 percent anonymous.”
Crimestoppers’ signs that someone could be carrying a weapon:
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in behaviour
- Sudden access to cash or designer goods
Three things every parent can do:
- Spot the signs – look for unexplained money, injuries or shifts in behaviour
- Start conversations - talk openly about the dangers of carrying knives and the importance of staying safe
- Report concerns - if you’re worried someone is carrying a knife, contact Crimestoppers anonymously to help prevent violence in your community
Anyone who has concerns that someone they know could be carrying a knife is encouraged to speak up if they are worried.
Call free and speak to a specially trained member of staff at our Crimestoppers’ UK contact centre on 0800 555 111, or give information anonymously online here.