Crimestoppers launches new campaign urging the public to speak up about who in their community is carrying knives

A new campaign launched by independent charity Crimestoppers aims to encourage adults and young people across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear to report to the charity 100% anonymously, those who are regularly carrying a knife or other weapon.

The week long campaign is part of the national initiative to reduce knife crime and help keep communities safe.

The dangers of young people carrying a knife are highlighted in the campaign which also reminds young people they can speak up anonymously about criminal activity they see or know about, via Fearless.org. Fearless is the youth service of Crimestoppers.

As a charity independent of the police, Crimestoppers is a safe, alternative way to report information on those carrying out crime. Knife crime is linked to drug dealing, street gangs, and the exploitation of often vulnerable young people. Children and teens can be manipulated into carrying or hiding weapons for others or pressured to use violence to “prove” themselves.

You can help keep your community safe by speaking up to our charity 100% anonymously - either online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 at any time.

Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said:

“When you carry a knife, you’re not only risking someone else’s future, you’re risking your own too.

We encourage young people across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear to speak up about crime without fear of retribution. We want to dispel myths around carrying knives and highlight the serious consequences involved.

We also urge adults across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear who have concerns or knowledge about someone carrying a knife or other weapon to report what they know 100% anonymously. Crimestoppers’ commitment to safeguarding the identity of those who contact us remains unwavering.”

She added: “We are proud of our independent status and our ability to pass on vital information securely and anonymously. Whether you’re a young person or an adult, your report can make a real difference in keeping each other safe.”

Find out more about knife crime on the Fearless website.’

Call 0800 555 111, or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please note: No-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. With Fearless.org and Crimestoppers-uk.org, computer IP addresses are never traced. 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.