Shropshire Star comment: We must speak out on knives
The figures from London have been horrific. Stabbings have become a daily occurrence as gangs tool up and use lethal weapons as a matter of course.
The wave of knife violence has migrated into other big cities and conurbations and the level of knife attacks in the West Midlands has been a cause for grave concern.
We might imagine that living in a rural area that has low levels of crime might in some way insure us against such incidents. Sadly, that is not the case.
Knives are becoming more of a concern in Shropshire and Mid Wales with attacks apparently commonplace.
There have been broad daylight stabbings and a Telford man was sentenced to 12 months in prison for using a knife during an argument and fight. It was no less than he deserved.
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Such incidents are part of a pattern of behaviour and it is important for us not just to look at the nature of each attack but also the reasons for them. Undoubtedly, for some people carrying a knife has become a lifestyle choice.
The absence of positive role models leads some to slip into gang culture where engaging in such behaviour has become normalised. For others, there is a lack of faith in the police’s ability to keep them safe. Without that level of protection, some make a simple choice that if the authorities are not equipped to protect them, they will take the law into their own hands.
Others carry knives to intimidate others, going out of their way to make themselves a menace. The trouble is that once people start to carry knives, the likelihood to use them increases exponentially.
Judge Anthony Lowe has warned that anyone producing a knife will be jailed. He has sent a clear message to people who fall into the categories outlined above and they can be in no doubt of the consequences. While his action is welcome, others must also do more. The courts must clamp down hard but it is also up to every part of society to look at how the knife culture can be reversed.
Those in schools, youth workers who are engaged with children and young adults and most importantly parents must take responsibility.
As a society, it is in our hands to take action and turn the tide. We must speak out, report offenders where necessary and be vigilant.
