Fife Police had their launch of this initiative last week…..So now The No Knives Better Lives campaign has been launched in Edinburgh.
Lothian and Borders Police and the City of Edinburgh Council are taking part in the Scottish Government drive to make young people aware of the dangers of using and carrying knives. The campaign, which is being rolled out across the country, will run in the north of the city and will involve a number of youth projects throughout the summer. Recent analysis suggests the number of incidents involving knives in the north of Edinburgh make up almost a third of knife crimes across the whole of the city. The study also shows in nearly half of all incidents, the victim knew the offender, and that drugs and alcohol are major contributory factors in knife crime. At the Edinburgh launch at a five-a-side football event at Montgomery Park , Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, said: “We are working in partnership with the council, police, schools and young people in Edinburgh to create very local No Knives Better Lives campaign that is tailored to the community and supporting the good work they are already doing. “Far too many lives are lost and people injured though mindless acts of violence – often because of the knife culture that blights some communities. That is why we are working to change the culture around violence in Scotland.” Superintendent David Carradice said: “Tackling knife crime is a priority for the Force. The recent reduction in violent crime, particularly involving a knife or other weapons, is testament to our ongoing proactive engagement with communities. “Using a knife, or even carrying one, is extremely dangerous, and has serious consequences for everyone involved – it is essential youngsters understand this. “The most effective way of delivering this message is through education, and events like No Knives Better Lives will undoubtedly prove useful for engaging with the younger members of our community. Councillor Paul Edie, Community Safety Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is an important project for the city as it sends out a simple, yet hard-hitting message, that this type of crime is not acceptable within our society. “It is also important to reassure the wider community that the partnership is doing everything it can to educate young people, so that knife crime can be reduced and that these crimes can become a problem of the past. “I am sure this new and exciting initiative will teach young people, that carrying a knife can have a devastating affect on their future.” Gavin Crosby, Youth Work Strategy Manager for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Over the summer, young people have the opportunity to be involved in fun activities, provided by the Council and partner agencies. “The No Knives Better Lives resources enable youth workers to talk about the serious dangers that come from carrying a knife, even if you don’t intend to use it or were carrying it for somebody else.”
