The Chronicle (Newcastle)

Stop Knives Taking Lives

2023

The Newcastle Chronicle launched their campaign ‘Stop Knives Taking Lives’ in February 2023 following the tragic fatal stabbings of three children. The Chronicle has called for an end to knife violence in its local area, with Kim McGuiness, the police and crime commissioner for Northumbria Police, backing the campaign.

As part of their campaign, the Chronicle have pledged to:

• Tell the stories of those whose lives have been ripped apart by knife crime in a bid to raise awareness and make people truly understand the devastating consequences carrying or using a knife can have.
• Raise awareness of knife laws to act as a deterrent.
• Signpost people to places they can get help.

The Chronicle published a powerful front page in February with images of some of the region’s victims. The mother of one of the victims has since backed the paper’s campaign.

Sophie Doughty, the Chronicle’s crime reporter, said: “Together we are calling on every community in the North East to come together to tackle knife crime. Everyone has a role to play.

“Whether it’s parents talking to their children about the dangers of carrying knives, or individuals speaking to police when they know of someone carrying a blade or involved in a crime, if there is something we can do to help stop this heartbreaking epidemic we all must.”