Hampshire Police are inviting young people to take part in an exciting, new media competition, supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to address some of the issues of knife crime. They are inviting young people to get involved and have their say.
In recent months Andover has seen many knife crime incidents, speaking out on social media Ross Mcdermott said “My Son was threatened with a knife, and jumped in the underpass by town park. Yes a knife.
“There were around 10 teenage boys involved. They threatened him with a knife and kicked him to the floor where they continued to hit and kick him.”
Shocked residents spoke of their concerns and many shared their similar experiences. With this in mind in a small town like Andover it’s time to get our children involved in some real change. The change that matters to them.
Hampshire Police are asking young people who enjoy creating podcasts or YouTube videos to come forward and help to use those skills and that power to make a short podcast or video that will help spread the word to other young people about knife crime and the consequences of carrying a knife.
Hampshire is a safe place to live but knife crime is a growing problem, affecting much younger children than it used to. Knife crime is simply any crime that involves a knife and for under 18s, that includes even carrying a knife or trying to buy one.
Some young people say that they carry a knife for protection or to make them feel safer, but it is a crime to do so and research has shown that you’re actually more likely to become a victim of crime if you’re carrying a knife.
How to Take Part
Young people are asked to use their creative powers to tell us their thoughts about knife crime and how we can reduce the problem here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. To think about the people who are affected, not just the victim but friends and family too.
You don’t need a load of specialist equipment; in fact, you can make a really good podcast or YouTube video on a phone or tablet. It’s the script that’s important.
It’s all free – you just need to register at www.collaboratedigital.com/register.
And once they have finished the podcast or video send it to us. Schools across the county will be taking part in this project later in the year so this is your opportunity to get your recording in ahead of them. The best entries will be shared online so be as creative as you like.
ATC Cllr Stu Waue calls on people to write to our MP Kit Malthouse and the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, to take action and to provide an increased police presence in Andover. “I was absolutely disgusted to read the post regarding an incident near the Vigo Recreation Ground.
“This goes way beyond anti-social behaviour & is yet another stepping stone towards Andover having a repeat of what happened at Sonning Common in January, & Glasgow in October, where 14 year olds Olly Stephens & Justin McLaughlin were stabbed & killed in horrifying attacks, We all need to stand together if we are going to put an end to this plague.”
