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Gun and knife crime

What is gun and knife crime?

Gun and knife crime can mean people carrying knives and guns, who may use them to threaten people. It can also mean robberies or other crimes, carried out by a person or people carrying a gun or knife – or pretending to do so. Gun and knife crime also includes stabbings or shootings where a person is injured or may even die.

Gun and knife crimeWill gun and knife crime affect me?

It seems like gun and knife crime is in the news all the time but it is not as common as you might think. It can affect anyone, not just people who are in gangs, and many of the people affected have no connections with gangs at all. Staying away from gangs is still a good idea if you want to stay as safe as possible. Read more about gangs and what to do if you are worried.

If you are worried about gun and knife crime, or are already involved in some way, you can talk to ChildLine by calling 0800 1111. Read more information about crime.

 

 

Why do people carry guns and knives?

Guns and knives are weapons and if used, they can cause serious injury or even death. Someone might want to carry one because:

• they are scared and worried about their safety or the safety of friends
• they want to protect themselves
• they want to show off and scare people
• they want respect from other people.

People who carry guns of knives may not ever plan to use them or hurt anyone.  They may find themselves in a situation that gets out of control and feel like they have no choice but to use their weapon.

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  • How can I stay safe from gun and knife crime?

    You may feel pressure from other people at school to rebel and 'roll with a tool' but carrying a knife is dangerous for you and other people. It is likely that in a few years the people you see with knives or guns now will be in prison or dead.

    It has been proven that if you carry a knife or weapon you are more likely to be targeted by people who want to hurt you, and more likely to be injured or even die because of this.

    If you feel like you are in danger or are worried, you can call ChildLine on 0800 1111.  If you feel that it is an emergency you can call the police on 999 and they will help you. You shouldn’t ever have to feel scared.

  • What can I do if I’m worried about gun and knife crime?

    If you are worried about gun and knife crime, or are involved with it already, it is not too late to get help. Talk to your teacher or another grown up you trust or talk to ChildLine. Your local youth club or community centre may run projects that are geared towards stopping gun crime, and you could get involved with these.

    You can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 at any time if you are worried about your own safety or think that someone you know is carrying or even using a gun or knife. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you want to report a crime that has happened. Don't be afraid to be strong and do the right thing.

    Written in collaboration with Mata Cham from Live Magazine

Other sites that can help

You can talk to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit their website
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Gun and knife crime 

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