Appeal to Luton youth as research shows just 17% would speak to police about knife crime
Concerns over young people's willingness to report knife crime have been raised as police in Luton seize three zombie knives and other dangerous weapons during a series of raids.
Research by Crimestoppers found just 17 per cent of young people would tell police if they knew someone was carrying a knife in the East of England – while 40 per cent would share information through an anonymous service.
Spokesperson Phillipa Scott, Interim Head of the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP), said the findings reflected what the organisation hears from young people and practitioners.
“Trust is rarely built through a single conversation. Young people are far more likely to share concerns when they have access to trusted relationships with adults who understand their circumstances and can help them navigate difficult situations,” she said.
Nationally, just 31 per cent of 16 to 25-year-olds said they would be very likely to report knife crime directly to police, compared with 45 per cent of adults.
Among young people, 41 per cent said fear of retaliation could stop them sharing information with police, while 28 per cent cited a lack of trust.
The spokesperson said: “We know that many young people worry about what will happen if they come forward, who will find out, and whether reporting will make a situation better or worse.
“That uncertainty can be a significant barrier to seeking help.”
The comments come as Bedfordshire Police's Luton Community Policing Team seized three zombie knives in recent weeks.
One knife was found at an Airbnb after officers received intelligence it was being used for drug-related activity. Cash, Class A drugs and scales were also recovered, with three people arrested.
Another was recovered during a police raid, with a teenager arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.
In Farley Hill, officers investigating reports of anti-social behaviour arrested two men and found knuckle dusters and another zombie knife.
VEPP works with partners across Luton, including schools, youth services, health partners, Bedfordshire Police, Luton Borough Council and community organisations.
Its work includes Premier League Kicks sessions delivered by Luton Town Community Trust, School Navigators working with young people in schools, A&E Navigators at Luton and Dunstable Hospital and support for young people in custody.
The spokesperson added: “The common thread across all of this work is ensuring young people can access support at the earliest opportunity.”
VEPP said young people concerned about knives, violence or exploitation should speak to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, youth worker or mentor.
“Our message to young people is simple: if something doesn't feel right, tell someone,” they said.
“Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner concerns are shared, the greater the opportunity for trusted adults and services to provide support before somebody gets hurt.
“There is always more that can be done to strengthen confidence in reporting and information sharing.”
Fearless, Crimestoppers' dedicated youth service, also allows people to report crime completely anonymously.
The VEPP is partnered with and led by Bedfordshire Police, supported by , local Community Safety Partnerships, local authorities, and other partners and support services for free Not My Child events for parents and carers. The next event will take place at Queensbury School in Dunstable on September 24, from 6pm to 9pm, with another planned for Stopsley on November 19.
The sessions cover knife crime, exploitation, county lines and online harms, while giving parents the opportunity to speak directly with local support services.