The consequences of knife crime

Carrying knives or other weapons

Carrying a knife or any weapon isn’t a good idea. Some people carry a knife because they think 'everyone else is' but that’s not the case - 99 per cent of young people in the UK don’t carry a knife.

Some young people think if you carry a knife then it will provide protection. But statistics show that if you carry a knife or weapon then you are more likely to end up being hurt. You can be seen as threatening. You might also end up being hurt by your own weapon. 

You might think you'll be respected or even feared for carrying a weapon. But all it really does is put you, your friends and family in danger.

What's illegal

It's illegal to carry most knives in public.

With any knife, it's also illegal to:

• use it in a threatening way
• have it on you while at school or further education

Banned knives and weapons

It's illegal to possess banned knives and weapons. These include zombie knives, flick knives, push daggers, and throwing stars (Shuriken).

It doesn't matter if you keep them at home or in a private place. Owning, keeping or carrying them is illegal.

It's also illegal to:

• possess a banned knife for use by someone else
• buy or sell a banned knife

Read the list of banned knives and weapons on gov.uk.

Understanding the consequences

• Carrying a knife or weapon increases your risk of being injured.
• It also increases the risk of the people around you being injured, and can cause great distress and upset to your family.
• Police are allowed to stop and search someone if they believe a weapon is being carried.
• Having a criminal record could stop you gaining entry into your chosen college or university, getting a job and could place restrictions on you travelling to some countries like the United States of America.
• You could go to jail for up to four years if you’re found in possession of a knife or five years for a gun, even if you’re carrying it for someone else.
• In the worst case scenario, you could get life imprisonment for murder.
• While walking away is often the hardest thing to do, it is the safest and won't get you into trouble with the police.

You can visit Fearless for advice, discover real stories about people who turned their lives around after being involved in knife crime as well as places you can go for further help and support.