Knife crime is 'challenging' Nottinghamshire police after spate of stabbings

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire has told us knife crime is a 'challenge' for Nottinghamshire Police, following four stabbings in the last month in the county.

Just last week, a 15-year-old was stabbed on school grounds at the Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology.

PCC for Nottinghamshire, Gary Godden is responsible for ensuring the county's police force is ran effectively and held to account.

Since the start of February, the police have reported stabbings in Bestwood, Sutton-in-Ashfield and last week at a school in the City, totalling four incidents.

In response to the stabbing at the Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology, he told us: " My thoughts and feelings are with the victims and the families involved with this sad incident.

'Keep up the pressure'

"We will keep up the pressure in trying to make sure our schools safer. Our police force is open to working with all the schools in Nottinghamshire, to help make them a safer place.

"There are extra patrols going around our schools to make sure students and our families are feeling safe. School is supposed to be a safe environment, which is obviously challenging at the school where this incident happened.

"It is sad that we are in this situation. A lot of people carry knives because they think it will keep them safe. That is not the case as evidence proves, if you carry a knife, the likelihood is that you will end up using it or it will be used on yourself," he said.

'Up for the challenge

When asked about his aims to reduce knife crime, he said: "The problem we have with knives is that they are readily accessible to anyone at any time, as they can be found in your kitchen.

"I think the force is up for the challenge and I think we need to work closely with schools to make Nottinghamshire safer for all.

"It is a bigger challenge than one individual area, it is a challenge for the government and the country. We must try and address this," he said.

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