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Staffordshire Police relaunch Ditch the Blade campaign this Autumn, you’re likely to see increased coverage about knife crime in the press and on social media over the coming weeks.

Working with local partners, we are urging young people to go knife free and to reach out for help and advice if they’re feeling trapped or pressured to carry a knife, or are carrying a knife out of fear.

The myths and reality surrounding knives are very different. A common misconception is that it’s common for young people to carry knives, when the reality is that 99% of young people aged 10 to 29 don’t carry a knife.

Although it’s rare for young people to carry a knife, it’s still important to chat to the young people in your life about the topic and discuss any concerns or worries, as they may not always understand the risks and consequences.

A couple of myths about knives are:

Carrying a knife will keep you safer. You only get a criminal record if you actually use the knife.

Unfortunately, the reality is: Carrying a knife puts you in more harm as it could be used against you if a situation gets out of control. Anyone found carrying a knife risks a criminal record if they are found in possession – this applies whether there is an intent to use the knife or not.

You can find advice to start a conversation, and details for support organisations here: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/ditchtheblade

Knife banks for the anonymous disposal of knives

There is a growing network of knife banks to enable the safe anonymous disposal of knives across the county.

Some banks are supplied by ourselves, and others are supplied by partners. You can check where your nearest location is by viewing the map on our website: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/ditchtheblade

If you do not have a knife amnesty bank nearby you can also take a knife to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre (Tip) for disposal.

If you’re dropping off a knife please make sure it’s suitably wrapped and secure for your journey.