South Yorkshire Police seek help to identify those carrying knives 'before it is too late'

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Henderson made the plea after new police figures revealed that between March 2018 and April 2019 there were 47 reported stabbings where victims were injured in Sheffield.

The most up to date information available for this financial year show that 34 incidents were recorded in the first six months.

DCI Henderson said law enforcement work alone will not solve the problem.

He said: “While strong policing forms part of the response to this problem, enforcement work alone cannot tackle knife crime.

“We also need information about our habitual knife carriers so we can take action before it’s too late.”

Social justice charity Nacro has produced a report on knife crime calling for a different approach to the issue, claiming that prison is not enough of a deterrent.

Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: What young people across Sheffield are crying out for is to be safe on the streets where they live. What this report shows is that the current approach to sentencing will not deter young people who carry knives out of fear.”

DCI Henderson said: “We, as authorities and the community, need to look at a public health approach to tackling knife crime.

“Everyone has a role to play in this, from our schools and youth groups through to our health professionals and the wider criminal justice services.”

Call South Yorkshire Police on 101 to report those who carry knives.