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Knife crime in the UK is a growing concern, especially for youngsters and those responsible for keeping them safe and secure. In this post we demonstrate how Insight Security, in partnership with the Police and a local school, have used portable metal detection equipment to make the school a safe, knife-free environment.
Knife Crime in the UK
There is growing concern that knife crime in the UK is fast becoming an epidemic. The increasing problem of knife crime is evident from the frequency of news reports which we are seeing almost daily. Over the 12 months up to March 2021 there were 235 police recorded murders involving knives or sharp instruments. And over the subsequent 12 months, to March 2022, knife crime in England and Wales escalated by 10%, the largest percentage increase in offences since 2019.
Sadly, 27 teenagers were murdered with knives or sharp objects during 2021 in London alone.
Why Young People Carry Knives
It's important to be aware of how concerns over knife crime are not only felt by adults but also by young people and children. Research has shown that children in the UK today are more fearful of crime than adults. This was demonstrated by the 2018 UK Youth Parliament “Make Your Mark” ballot in which 1.1 million children took part. A significant proportion came from Hampshire where knife crime was voted the top concern for young people.
Ongoing national and regional research continues to examine the root causes of why young people are carrying knives. Some of the primary factors known to prompt young people to carry knives are these:
- County lines Organised criminal drug networks
- Gang affiliation
- Personal protection and status
- Media attention and glamorisation
- Fear of crime
- Fear of being attacked
- Victimised by bullies
- Self protection
- Peer pressure
- Perception that most young people carry knives
A major concern is that if a young person carries a knife they will almost definitely use it: if they feel the need to protect themselves, if they commit a crime, if they want to cause fear - or if they want to demonstrate their status or reinforce their reputation.
Unfortunately, many children who carry knives do so because they are already victimised. They might be victims of criminal exploitation and gang pressures or they might be fearful of being pressurised, victimised, coerced or bullied. Growing up in a culture that exposes them to significant pressures, including coercion and control, makes it wrong to consider them all as antisocial, violent criminals. Many young people who carry knives do so out of fear, a sad indictment of the society in which they are growing up.
Partnering to Make a Safe School
Work is being carried out by the Police, parents and schools to combat the knife-crime epidemic, but more needs to be done. Insight Security has been working with the Police and a local school to improve safety by using portable metal detection equipment.
The school's Head Teacher contacted Insight Security to discuss concerns over knife crime in the area. Following a review of the school and its environment, Insight Security provided a handheld metal detector which can quickly and accurately detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
The device is a standalone handheld security scanner that is easy to operate and incredibly accurate. It can detect metal objects hidden on a person quickly and non-intrusively without body searches or contact, making it ideal for use in a school environment. The device sends out an audible warning and vibrates in the operator's hand - giving immediate feedback to the user, letting them know if there is a hidden metal object present.
The detection of knives and other weapons ensures that the school environment is safe for all those who work and study there. The device provides fast, efficient detection and reduced, if not eradicated, the risk of anyone bringing unauthorised items onto the school premises. The handheld scanner can also be used around the school grounds, for example during school breaks and can be rapidly deployed in response to any security incident.
Insight Security has a range of handheld metal detection devices designed for use in schools, nightclubs, event venues, stadia, public buildings and many other environments. Contact us today on 01273 475 500 for free, expert advice on the best security solution for your needs and budget.
For more information on Portable Metal Detector Arch Improves Safeguarding in School talk to Insight Security