Heartbreaking Campaign Seeks to Curb Knife Crime
A powerful new campaign centres on raw, emotional short films featuring mothers who have lost their sons to fatal stabbings. These women share the hardest calls they ever had to make — calls that changed their lives forever.
Each mother is urging the public to anonymously report knife crime to Crimestoppers to help prevent further tragedies. For those wary of contacting the police directly, Crimestoppers offers a confidential lifeline.
Mothers Step Forward to Speak Out
At a socially distanced event at New Scotland Yard" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Scotland Yard, these brave mothers will join Commissioner Cressida Dick for the screening of their emotional films. The campaign’s adverts will run across radio, social media, popular websites, and on-demand platforms into late April.
The message is targeted at communities hit hardest by violent crime. It especially aims to inspire women — mothers, sisters, aunties — who often hold influence in their communities, encouraging them to speak up and report vital information.
Grieving Mothers Share Their Heartache
Lillian Serunkuma: “I called my auntie to let her know that Quamari had been stabbed. She just screamed. It’s hard to report someone you love, but it’s even harder to lose them to prison or death. Either way, knife crime destroys families.”
Yvonne Lawson MBE: “I told my sister Godwin had died. Saying ‘died’ again and again was agony. Godwin was stolen from us so cruelly. Our family is broken. Using his memory to change lives is the least we can do.”
Jean Foster: “We called multiple times, hoping Christopher would answer. When he didn’t, we realised he was gone. Staying silent only empowers criminals. No one is safe if we keep quiet.”
Pastor Lorraine Jones: “When I heard Dwayne was stabbed, I felt lost and helpless. Making that phone call was the hardest thing. I treasure twenty wonderful years with him but never realised his impact until he was gone.”
Becky Beston: “I had to call a stranger about embalming Archie. You should never have to say that about your child. If someone had made that call earlier, my son might still be here.”
Top Brass Back the Campaign
Commissioner Cressida Dick praised the mothers’ courage: “Their stories will resonate with Londoners and hopefully inspire them to call Crimestoppers anonymously. Even a tiny tip could save lives.”
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, added: “Hearing these honest, heartfelt accounts is humbling. Our charity guarantees complete anonymity for callers — we’ve kept that promise since the 1980s. Together, we can reduce suffering and make communities safer.”
