South Yorkshire Police write to 16,000 families about knife crime
Last updated 15th Sep 2025
South Yorkshire Police say they have written to 16 thousand families about knife crime.
They have been contacting those with kids who are 11 and 12 - to tell them about the scale of the issue and what they are doing to prevent it in schools.
In her letter, Chief Constable Lauren Poultney said:
“Preventing knife crime is a priority for schools, local authorities, and the police. We all want to keep our children and young people safe. We regularly speak to young people across South Yorkshire to understand why they may carry a knife, and to educate them about the potential consequences of doing this.
“When knife crime is reported to South Yorkshire Police, we take the most appropriate course of action based on lots of information. Sometimes this is talking to a young person and helping them to access the right support, sometimes this involves arresting them. If we find a weapon, we will always seize it.
“Most people who carry a knife never plan to use it - only carrying it because they mistakenly think it will protect them and their friends or that it will increase their social status. Together we need to change that mindset. We all have a role in preventing knife crime and yours could be as simple as a conversation.”