Funds for anti-knife crime drive

Inderdeep Bains • Published 12 Mar 2009 16:00 0 Comments

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A NEW phase of an anti-knife crime programme will be launched thanks to further funding.

Thousands of students at dozens of schools and pupil referral units in the Thames Valley have already been warned about the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife when they go out.

Now an announcement that the nationwide Tackling Knives Action Programme will be extended means students identified as being at risk of joining gangs or carrying knives could receive mentoring sessions from ex-offenders working with the New Destiny Trust.

The next phase will be overseen by Thames Valley Police's new knife crime co-ordinator, Robin Gardner, who has returned to the Force to take over from his predecessor Carole Haveron.

Mr Gardner, a former Thames Valley Police Chief Inspector, said: "The extension of the funding for the knife crime initiative means we will be able to build on the highly successful work we have done so far.

"I have been impressed with the impact the New Destiny Trust has made with students throughout the region. This announcement will allow us to continue to work with them, and our other partners, to ensure the threat of knives and gangs in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire remains at a minimum.

"The next stage will see us continue to work with schools, pupil referral units and older groups of young people to identify those we think are most at risk of becoming involved in knife crime or gangs.

"They will then take part in specially organised workshops with the New Destiny Trust workers who will use their experience to help them make the right choices.

"We believe this is the most effective way of ensuring the streets of Thames Valley safe in the long run."

The precise amount of funding will be announced later this year.

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 12 Mar 09

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