KNIFE CRIME: Chilling memories of a Lancashire chief inspector

There's a memory that sticks vividly in the mind of Ch Insp Steve Sansbury of Lancashire Police when it comes to knife crime and young people.
Chief Insp Steve Sansbury with knives recovered during a recent amnestyChief Insp Steve Sansbury with knives recovered during a recent amnesty
Chief Insp Steve Sansbury with knives recovered during a recent amnesty
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REVEALED: Shocking extent of knife crime in our schools

Ch Insp Steve Sansbury recalls: “They were having an argument and the lad thrust his penknife into the other lad’s chest.

“This teenager never intended to kill the boy but his actions led to a devastating outcome.”

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He says: “Some young people may think it is a form of protection against bullying, others may bring in unusual knives for a completely innocent reason and others may feel they need to bolster their reputation by carrying a knife.

“But none of these reasons are good reasons and the potential consequence of a knife being used on you or against you or even if you are found in possession of it could potentially ruin the rest of your life.

“You could end up with a criminal record and someone could end up with life changing injuries or even dead.

“We take the issue of knife crime seriously because we know the potential outcomes.

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“Luckily, we do not appear to have a serious problem with knife crime and young people.

“However, if schools are not reporting possession of a weapon data, it is difficult to assess the issue.

“If schools are not reporting the lower level carrying of knives and sharp weapons of pupils to us, the onus is on them [the schools] to deal with it adequately.”