Research by security experts has revealed Cleveland has the second-highest rate of serious knife crimes.
‘Get Licensed’ analysed data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to identify the police force areas with the most serious knife-related offences in the past year.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker said: “The efforts of Cleveland Police and our partners are having a positive impact in reducing the number of knife-related offences involving young people across Teesside.
“We acknowledge we all still have a long way to go, and policing is only a small part of the whole response to knife crime.
“We will continue with everything we are currently doing to drive down the numbers of young people carrying knives.”
Most read
Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) According to the study, Cleveland recorded 812 knife offences, equating to 14.02 per 10,000 people.
This makes it the second-highest in the country, following London with 15,859 offences, averaging 17.89 per 10,000 people.
Cleveland Police has been actively addressing the issue with the ‘Carrying a Blade Doesn’t Give You an Edge’ campaign since 2023.
The initiative aims to educate young people about the dangers and severe consequences of carrying knives.
Assistant Constable Baker said: “We need parents, carers and our communities to work closely with us to show our younger generation that they can have a bright future if they ditch the blade.
“Evidence is clear that a child that carries a knife is more likely to become a victim of knife crime, whether that’s being seriously injured, or worse, lose their life.
“If they themselves use the knife, the reality is they will get caught and face a substantial amount of time in prison.”
The force also operates ‘Operation Deterrence’ year-round, with officers from each district’s ‘Proactive Team’ conducting both uniformed and plain-clothed patrols in areas identified as high-risk for violence.
These operations involve stopping and searching individuals who appear suspicious.
Anyone found in possession of a blade is arrested and taken into custody.
The targeted searches have resulted in an increase in arrests on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
In 2024, there were 156 arrests, up from 140 in 2023.
“We work closely with partners to fully understand all of the contributing factors that lead to young people carrying a blade or causing serious violence,” Assistant Constable Baker said.
“There are many agencies and charities who can provide support to keep young people away from knife crime, violence or drugs.
“This may include a referral to the Youth Offending Team who provide a range of services including finding ways to move away from a criminal life, build self-esteem and confidence and look at mental health related issues.
“Together we must all contribute to reducing knife-crime related violence in our community and this will make Teesside an even safer place for to live and work now and in the future.”