West Yorkshire Combined Authority has confirmed that it is supporting the education of young people in the ‘deadly consequences’ of knife crime.
Through a new short film that is being rolled out for children and young people across the region, the impact of knife crime is being hammered home to reduce serious violence. The film, titled ‘Knives Claim Lives’, has been supported by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership and Safer Kirklees.
Speaking at the launch of the film in Batley, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“We have an amazing creative sector in West Yorkshire, which can play an important role in addressing the big issues that impact our communities.
“This short film is a great example of how our local talent can help influence children and young people on themes such as knife crime and prevent them from becoming involved.
“Addressing serious violence sits at the heart of our plans for a safer, fairer West Yorkshire and we want people to have their say on that as part of the ongoing consultation.”
The film comes alongside a consultation on the Police and Crime Plan, which ensures that communities can get their points of view across on what serious violence looks like in their area. Once the consultation is closed and the plan is rolled out, the priorities for policing across West Yorkshire over the course of the next four years will be set.
Priorities for reducing serious crime come against the backdrop of a 2% national rise in knife crime, and a 5% increase in homicides.
In an open letter urging residents to have their voices heard in the consultation, Brabin said that “we will work with the government as they reinvigorate neighbourhood policing with 13,000 more police/community support officers nationally and I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account ensuring he focuses on the issues that matter most to you.”
Image credit: iStock
Video Credit: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
