A campaign led by BCP Council to educate people on the dangers of knife crime and empower young people to make positive choices will continue this month with a series of awareness events.
The Knife Crime Awareness campaign across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was launched in May and follows the death of 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton last summer.
Organised by the Safer BCP Partnership, a special celebration day ‘Changes Are Made’ will take place on Saturday 21 September 2024 from 11am to 4pm in Bournemouth Square and Lower Gardens with activities – some led by young people – including DJ sessions, dancing, African drumming and a skate ramp.
The Safer BCP Partnership includes Dorset Police, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Probation Service, University Hospitals Dorset and many others. Bournemouth Town Centre BID have also provided financial support towards some of the activities as part of the campaign.
A variety of events and activities are taking place over the next few weeks including Knife Crime Awareness stands at the Freshers Fairs of Bournemouth and Poole College, Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth and AECC University.
There will also be community engagement stands at Bournemouth Hospital, Asda West Quay Road, Poole and Tesco Castle Lane, Bournemouth.
The ‘Changes Are Made’ event on Saturday 21 September will celebrate and promote the positive activities that young people can get involved in. These activities will include information to equip parents and carers and members of the community with the tools to help address knife-related incidents.
Local Policing Commander for Bournemouth, Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey, Chair of the BCP Community Safety Partnership, said: “While Dorset remains a safe place to live with one of the lowest knife crime rates in the UK, there is still work to be done and Dorset Police supports this joint initiative whole-heartedly.
“It is a proactive way to educate young people about knife carrying and to encourage them to feel confident to make informed choices. We will continue working together with our partners to protect our communities and ensure people feel safe.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “This campaign is a positive symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration, but it is vital the work doesn’t stop here. Tackling knife crime is a priority in Dorset, and I remain absolutely committed to creating a safer environment for all Dorset’s residents and visitors.”
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer at Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “Safety and security are the number one priority for our businesses so supporting this awareness campaign, as part of a collaborative approach, is one of the ways we can help make a difference.”