MONEY seized from criminals in Tameside has been put to good use, helping to educate the borough’s young people about the dangers of knife crime.
The ‘No More Knives’ tour is focused on teaching children from secondary schools about the risks involved with carrying a knife, which could result in their futures being jeopardised, as well as highlight options available to those who feel like they have no choice but to have knives in their possession.
The company received £20,000 through Greater Manchester Police’s Asset Recovery Incentive Scheme funding – cash taken from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act which is then used to benefit local communities.
In this instance, the money has funded the delivery of performances to four secondary schools and two colleges in Tameside throughout November.
Classes from Year 7 to Year 10 at Mossley Hollins were taught about the consequences of carrying a knife through contemporary ways, through a performance which used dance and music to help them find a voice and realise their own potential.
From a policing perspective, neighbourhood officers from GMP’s Tameside district explained the challenges they face when dealing with knife crime and the associated dangers.
Schools and colleges who haven’t received the workshop will also get the chance to through Tameside Council’s Community Safety Partnership funding.
The Message Trust, who deliver the tour, conducted pilot performances in other areas of Greater Manchester which proved effective and even resulted in some young people handing over their knives to the police.
Tameside’s Neighbourhood Policing Team have been attending every ‘No More Knives’ tour presentation to also offer information on amnesty locations, for those young people who wish to surrender their knives.
Chief Inspector Claire Galt, of GMP’s Tameside neighbourhood team, said: “We really need to do all we can to spread the message to all of our young people about the fatal consequences of carrying a knife.
“We know that to tackle knife crime, we need to engage with young people in ways that they enjoy and understand and it is rewarding to see that the money we have seized from criminals in Tameside is used to fund a very good cause which will help the future of Tameside.
“We know that some young people feel like they have no choice but to carry a knife and I encourage parents and guardians to talk to their children about the dangers of carrying a knife and offer advice on where to dispose of the knives safely.”
More information about amnesty bin locations can be found on the GMP website here.
Anyone with information about knife crime, or if you know someone who is carrying a knife, is asked to contact police on 101, through the LiveChat facility at gmp.police.uk or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.