Knife Crime


Some people think carrying a knife protects you. What they don't realise is carrying a knife doesn't protect you. If you carry a knife and you get into a fight you might be tempted to use your knife. You may have never intended using it but before you know it you've stabbed someone or your knife has been used against you.

Knives and the law

Just by carrying a knife you could end up in court. It is illegal to carry a knife, even if it belongs to somebody else and if you are caught you will be arrested.

Anyone who is carrying a knife and is intending to use it as a weapon – even in self-defence can be arrested, go to court and receive a police record or even a prison sentence.

The police can search anyone they suspect of carrying a knife.

Some people say that they carry a knife for protection or to make them feel safer, even though they wouldn’t think of using it. However, research has shown that you’re actually more likely to become a victim of crime if you’re carrying a knife.

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.

Don't be a victim


  • Make as much noise as you can.
  • Instead of carrying a knife, carry a personal alarm.
  • Don't fight back.

‘Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife’

Lancashire Constabulary has joined forces with the ground-breaking national anti-knife crime campaign ‘Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife, a national initiative designed to raise awareness of knife crime and encourage the surrender of dangerous weapons.

The British Ironwork Centre, which is coordinating the project, intends to use knives handed into police to create a 20 feet high guardian angel sculpture in memory of those whose lives have so tragically been lost.

Knife bins were used at locations across Lancashire during surrenders in 2014 and 2016. Hundreds of knives were handed in and contributed to the project. Although the majority of bins have now been removed, you can also hand in any knife at any police station with a front counter.

Does your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner or someone in your family carry a knife?

If you have an argument could they turn it on you? If you are frightened that someone you know may harm you with a blade or you are being hurt by someone you love and don't know what to do, there are lots of people and organisations that want to help and can help you.

If you don't feel ready to call police but want to talk to someone, why not contact Lancashire Victim Services or the young persons support service Nest.

Do you carry a knife? Do you worry that you may hurt someone with it, even though you love them?  Are you hurting someone you are in a relationship with or someone in your family?

You can get help by using the respect website. Respect UK gives really important information and advice for men who want to stop hurting the people they love.

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