Knife crime

We have low rates of knife crime in Dorset – one of the lowest in the country - but one person carrying a knife is one too many, and that is why it is a priority to tackle these offences. Just because we are one of the safest counties in the country, it doesn’t mean there should be any complacency around knife crime.
You’ll find out more about Dorset Police’s efforts to tackle knife crime and information about how you can help yourself, your friends or family below.

Our efforts to tackle knife crime

We continue to tackle knife crime in a number of different ways from education to enforcement, carrying out work alongside our partners to educate the public and aim to remove knife crime from the streets.

We take part in Sceptre, a national policing week of action in which all forces and BTP come together for a coordinated period of intensification to tackle knife crime. For Dorset Police, this has included targeted operations, engagement with schools and communities, and the use of knife amnesty bins.

As well as this, we have worked with schools and education establishments across the county to deliver presentations to young people about knife crime, busting myths and explaining that not all young people who carry weapons intend to use them, but if a young person carries a weapon and gets into an argument, the situation is more likely to get out of control and a knife is more likely to be used by someone involved.

You may have also seen our officers out and about in the community, carrying out patrols, speaking at events and educating residents with tools such as knife arches and pop-up information stands.

We will continue to work with our partners and the community to tackle knife crime and encourage people to report any concerns they have about anyone carrying a knife in their community.

Know the laws:

It is an offence to:

• Possess a knife in a public place without good reason - unless it's a knife with a folding blade three inches long (7.62cm) or less, e.g., a Swiss Army knife
• Possess a knife while on school, college, or further education premises
• Use any knife in a threatening way
• Hold or carry a knife for use by someone else
• Sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18
• Bring into the country, sell, possess, hire or give someone a banned knife. Banned knives include butterfly knives, disguised knives, flick knives, and zombie knives. A full list of banned knives in the UK can be found on the GOV website (Selling, buying and carrying knives and weapons - GOV.UK)

Why do people carry knives?

Self-protection and fear: A person might choose to carry a weapon as a means to protect themselves, especially if they have been a victim of crime or are fearful they may become one

To fit in: A person may want others to see them in a certain way; to conjure notions of respect and status or simply to fit in with others in their group.

To facilitate other crimes: A person might carry a weapon to facilitate other crimes such as theft, robbery and injury

Understand the consequences:

Carrying a knife does not make you safer. If you carry a knife, you are more likely to be hurt or threatened by someone else. People are often wounded by their own knife they were carrying, putting them at greater risk.

Not all young people who carry weapons intend to use them, but if a young person carries a weapon and gets into an argument, the situation is more likely to get out of control and a knife is more likely to be used by someone involved

Any object that is being carried with the intention of using it in a threatening way could be classed as an offensive weapon

Police have the power to stop and search anyone they suspect of carrying a knife

It is illegal to carry a knife, without a good reason. You could be arrested, face a prison sentence, get a criminal record and ruin your education and job prospects

The maximum prison sentence for carrying a knife is four years, but if you use the knife in a crime or to injure someone the penalties are a lot worse. Under 'joint enterprise' rules, prosecutors also have the power to bring before the courts people who were present when a crime was committed so that all face the same serious charges

Any stab wound could be fatal

Stop & search:

Police have the power to stop and search any person if they have 'reasonable grounds' to suspect that person may be carrying something that is against the law or could cause harm to others. This could include: illegal drugs, a knife or weapon, stolen items or an item that could be used to commit a crime.

Examples of 'reasonable grounds' could include:

• A member of the public has reported that someone is carrying something they shouldn't be.
• Somebody matches the description of who they are looking for

How can I report knife crime?

Help us to protect communities by reporting anything suspicious.
You can report knife crime in several ways:

• Using our online form
• Call us on 101 (or 999 in an emergency)
• Report anonymously via Fearless.org or Crimestoppers

Call 999 in emergency situations like these:

• There is an immediate danger to life
• Someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
• A crime is happening right now
• The suspect is still at the scene

Information Providers:

• The Ben Kinsella Trust: The Ben Kinsella Trust is a charity that tackles knife crime through education and campaigning.
• The King's trust (formerly The Prince's Trust): The King's Trust helps to provide support and opportunities for young people, particularly those who are moving away from gangs and crime.
• Childline: If you don't feel as though you can talk to your parents, a teacher or the police, then talk to a professional in confidence via Childline.
• Fearless.org: Fearless.org is the dedicated youth service from the independent charity Crimestoppers which aims to break down any barriers that might prevent young people from reporting crime