South Yorkshire Police has launched a new campaign today (Wednesday 29 January 2025) aimed at tackling knife crime and encouraging teenagers to reconsider carrying knives. The initiative, named “Knives Take Lives,” seeks to address the alarming rise in knife crime in the region and specifically targets teenage boys who may be considering carrying a knife for protection or social status.
Recent research reveals that many teenagers carry knives because they believe it will protect them or enhance their standing among peers. The campaign poses the critical question to young people: “Will carrying a knife really protect you – or will it destroy your life?”
South Yorkshire is the fourth-highest region in the UK for knife crime offences, both by volume and per capita. In 2024, the area saw the tragic loss of five lives to knife violence. Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Poolman emphasized the fear and misconception among some younger teens that they must carry a knife to protect themselves, even though, as she pointed out, 99.75% of people in South Yorkshire do not carry a knife. Tragically, carrying a weapon often leads to even more danger.
“This campaign is aimed at helping young people make better decisions before they pick up a knife, with the support of their families, teachers, and communities,” said DCC Poolman. Fewer knives on our streets means fewer lives lost and fewer futures ruined by prison sentences.
The “Knives Take Lives” initiative is based on a real-life fatal stabbing case investigated by DC Thomas Ryan, a detective constable in South Yorkshire’s Major Crime Unit. The emotional impact of this case led DC Ryan to write a story for an animated video now featured as part of the campaign. The animation depicts the devastating consequences of knife crime and is designed to resonate with the youth audience.
As part of the campaign, real-life stories are being shared, including that of Lisa Theobald, whose 20-year-old son Ryan was tragically murdered in Doncaster in 2022. Lisa, who supports the campaign, spoke at today’s launch event. “This campaign is not just about statistics; it’s about real lives, real families,” she said.
The Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, also expressed his support, highlighting the national efforts to reduce access to dangerous weapons and hold social media platforms accountable for failing to remove knife-related content. “The Knives Take Lives campaign shines a light on the devastating impact knife crime has on families and communities. It’s time we all work together to prevent more tragedies.
A significant part of the campaign’s development involved consulting with youth groups, students, community workers, and educational institutions, including The Sheffield College, whose students contributed to the design of the campaign’s materials. Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive of The Sheffield College, added, “Raising awareness about the devastating impact of knife crime is crucial to keeping our students and communities safe.”
The campaign’s reach includes educational resources, tools for parents and teachers on how to discuss the dangers of knives with young people, and information on reporting incidents anonymously. Schools and community groups across South Yorkshire will be integral in spreading the message.
Anyone with information or seeking to engage with the campaign can access resources through the Knives Take Lives website, where support and advice are available.
The campaign aims to reduce knife crime and prevent further tragedies from impacting the lives of young people in South Yorkshire. For more information and to get involved, visit the campaign’s official page or contact local authorities.
