A mother whose son was stabbed to death has issued a plea to people carrying zombie-style knives amid a national call to surrender them: “Do the right thing.”
Tanya Brown - whose son Connor Brown was tragically killed in Sunderland in 2019 - praised the new surrender and compensation scheme ahead of a full Government ban.
The activist, who became a prominent figure against knife crime after setting up the Connor Brown Trust charity, said every knife handed in is “saving many lives”.
This week, the Government launched the month-long scheme ahead of a ban, which will make owning zombie-style knives and machetes illegal to own from September 24.
It allows people to hand in knives that fall in with the legislation in return for an application for compensation - with those caught owning these knives after the date facing time behind bars.
These knives will join the already long list of prohibited items, including butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.
Speaking to The Northern Echo today (Wednesday, August 28) Tanya said: “This law is something positive - we just need it to be implemented, and for it to be made stronger in the future.
“They need to implement a deterrent. The amount of time people say they carry knives for protection... but if that’s the case, why carry it?
“When you are in the moment you will react, and once you react, you can’t undo. To me, its a case of if you have no intention of killing, don’t carry it. Simple as.”
‘Get rid of it safely, and do the right thing.’
Tanya added that she understands the apprehension that some people may feel about handing a knife into a police station - but added that they “need to have a little faith”.
“Take an adult if that makes you feel better, because everyone has one adult that would support them. Do the right thing, and don't let apprehension get the better of you,” she said.
“Once you have made that step, be very very proud that you have done that.”
And for those who own the dangerous weapons with the intention of being involved in serious crime, Tanya asks: “Is that the life you want to live?”
She added: “It is not just about the victim and the perpetrator, knife crime affects everyone. Knife crime does so much damage and goes so much further.
"Actions have consequences. Maybe people need to look at the people they care about."
She said that handing in a knife doesn’t just save one life, as one person with a knife can influence many others.
"Every knife is saving many lives,” she added.
‘Devastating’ impact of knife crime ‘cannot be overstated’
Sergeant Matt Fussey, of Durham Constabulary, said the tightening of the legislation will give police more powers to “ensure these dangerous items are not sold, kept or used under any circumstances".
The new law will cover the manufacture, supply, sale, possession and importation of these weapons.
He said: “Although our county has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, we remain committed to reducing weapon-based violence across our patch and employ a variety of strategies, including targeted initiatives such as Operation Sceptre knife amnesty, collaboration with Trading Standards to prevent underage sales, and partnerships with Border Force to stop the online trade of dangerous weapons.
“Additionally, our Neighbourhood Teams run educational programmes in schools for pupils between Year 6 to Year 11, as part of our broader engagement efforts, to emphasise the dangers of knife crime and its far-reaching consequences.”
He said the force will “relentlessly pursue those who carry and use weapons".
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen added that those who continue to carry these deadly blades in the future “will face tougher consequences which will serve as a deterrent to others”.
She added: “We are fortunate to live in an area with a lower-than-average rate of serious violence. That said, every injury or fatality is one too many. It is imperative we stand together until the risk is eradicated altogether.
“Alongside tougher enforcement, it is important we continue to fund interventions and prevention programmes that seek to protect people from being drawn to serious violence in the first place, as well as those aimed at diverting people who are already engaging in risky behaviours before it escalates.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am working closely with partners across education, health, social care and the criminal justice system as part of the County Durham and Darlington Serious Violence Partnership.
“Through the Serious Violence Response Strategy 2024, we are undertaking research to unravel the root causes of violence and identify evidence-led solutions to prevent vulnerability and ultimately stop more needless deaths and injuries on our streets.”
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker said Cleveland Police is continuing its work to tackle knife crime through proactive police operations in hotspot areas.
Recommended reading:
- TJ Hughes set to open new store in Middlesbrough town centre
- Suspected Middlesbrough rioters arrested during police raids
- Stokesley mum is 'one of longest incurable cancer survivors'
Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 6 months for just £6 in our summer sale. Click here.
He said: “Officers also carry out regular test purchase operations and responsible retailor visits to ensure retailers are complying with the law on the sale of knives.
“The maximum penalty for the importation, manufacturing, possession and sale of these newly proscribed weapons will also be increased from six months to two years, as will the maximum penalty for sales to under-18s.
“There is a strong focus on the identification, arrest and management of offenders who use knives, whilst we regularly run prevention and engagement programmes in schools and colleges to ensure students are informed of the law, risks and consequences of carrying knives.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here