Our approach to knife crime must remain relentless

Knife crime devastates lives, families and communities, and while Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country, even one young person carrying a knife is one too many. That is why tackling knife crime and serious violence continues to be a major priority for me and my Office, and for everyone working across policing and community safety in Dorset. As we mark both Sceptre Week and Knife Crime Awareness Week, it is an important opportunity to highlight the ongoing work taking place across Dorset to prevent violence, remove dangerous weapons from our streets, and educate young people about the devastating consequences knife crime can have on individuals, families and communities.

I understand why knife crime is a source of real concern for many people. These incidents can have tragic and lasting consequences, affecting victims, families and entire communities, making people feel unsafe. While it is crucial to acknowledge those fears and ensure we are listening, it is equally important that we focus on the facts, understand the broader policing context, and separate perception from reality. The latest Office for National Statistics data shows that Dorset Police recorded 221 knife-related offences between January and December 2025, down from 293 in 2024 - a reduction of 25 per cent. Dorset now has the lowest number of knife-related offences in the south west and the second lowest in England. But I want to go see these figures continue to reduce even further and will do all I can to achieve this.

These figures reflect the hard work of Dorset Police, partner organisations, schools, charities and community groups across the county. But I know statistics only ever tell part of the story and that behind every offence is the potential for lives to be changed forever. That is why our approach must remain relentless, combining robust enforcement with prevention, education and early intervention.

One of the most important areas of work we are supporting is focused deterrence. Through funding provided by my Office, a dedicated focused deterrence worker is embedded within Dorset Police, working directly with young people who may be at risk of carrying knives or becoming involved in violence. The aim is not simply to punish poor choices but to intervene early and provide support before those choices become life-changing mistakes. Young people are helped to access education, employment, housing and training opportunities, giving them positive pathways away from crime and violence. 

We are also investing in what are often described as “reachable moments” – opportunities to engage with young people at a critical point in their lives. Through a project co-funded by my Office, specialist youth workers are now based within emergency departments at Bournemouth and Poole hospitals. They work directly with 11 to 25-year-olds who attend hospital following violence-related incidents, offering immediate support and guidance at a time when they may be most open to change. This work is about breaking cycles of violence before they escalate further.

Education is another crucial part of preventing knife crime. Dorset Police’s Firearms and Knife Education (FAKE) programme continues to deliver powerful sessions in schools, helping young people understand the realities and consequences of carrying weapons. Building on this work, my Office will soon launch an innovative virtual reality programme designed to give young people an immersive and realistic understanding of the consequences of knife crime and anti-social behaviour. By using technology in this way, we hope to engage young people in a meaningful and memorable way that encourages positive decision-making.

Alongside education, we are continuing to support diversionary activities that give young people structure, confidence and trusted adult mentors. This includes initiatives such as non-contact boxing and watersports programmes, which not only provide positive activities but also help build resilience, discipline and self-esteem. We are also backing targeted early intervention programmes such as Level Up with the 100 and First Foundation, both of which support vulnerable young people who may be at risk of exclusion or exploitation. In addition, I continue to support charities such as Changes Are Made, founded by Tracy Jose following the tragic loss of her grandson, Cameron Hamilton. Organisations like this play a vital role in raising awareness and ensuring the devastating human impact of knife crime is never forgotten.

Of course, prevention must always be matched by strong enforcement. Dorset Police continue to carry out proactive, intelligence-led operations across the county, including weapon sweeps, knife surrender schemes and action against those involved in illegal knife sales. This week, I have seen for myself the tough action Dorset Police is taking as part of their efforts to remove dangerous weapons from our streets and protect our communities from harm. I thank the Force for their continued efforts.

I want to be very clear; one person carrying a knife is one too many. Through sustained partnership working, early intervention, education and robust policing, we can continue to protect Dorset and ensure more young people have the safer and brighter futures they deserve, keeping our county one of the safest places in the country.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner