New data reveals a frightening number of Yorkshire children took knives to school between 2022 and 2024, sparking concern.
Sheffield had the most knife incidents, with thirty-seven incidents between 2022 and 2024. Doncaster followed with thirty incidents, while Rotherham saw twenty-two. Barnsley had fourteen incidents recorded.
Formal legal action was rare, with only three percent of cases ending this way. Most cases involved cautions, community help, and diversionary interventions.
The death of Harvey Willgoose, a boy stabbed at a Sheffield school, shocked the city. This tragedy has fueled calls for more action on knife crime.
Three children were charged or summoned in court, and seven kids got youth cautions. Twelve kids received conditional cautions, and two cases became community resolutions.
Three cases stopped because the suspect was too young for criminal charges. Fifteen incidents lacked enough evidence, even though victims supported action. In twenty-seven cases, victims stopped supporting action.
Sixteen cases went to partner agencies, while five cases were not pursued due to public interest concerns. Ten incidents used education instead of formal action.
Police are trying to stop knife crime by working with local groups, including schools and youth groups, according to Superintendent David Cowley. Their campaign, Knives Take Lives, teaches young people about knife dangers.
The police have educational events to inform young people about the risks. The statistics reflect a national issue, with knife violence rising among young people everywhere.
Police emphasize early help and education to address the reasons for violence, This includes trauma, mental health, and social ideas about violence.