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Cleveland schools are facing a critical challenge in tackling knife crime, ranking 5th out of the 9 Northern regions for total reported cases involving possession, threats, or attacks with knives or bladed articles. With 76 reported incidents, the majority involving possession, Cleveland’s schools are struggling to bring their numbers down as effectively as other Northern areas.

While there has been a decline in cases since 2021, Cleveland has surpassed several other regions in total reported crimes, highlighting the need for a more robust response. Alarmingly, cases include children as young as 10 and under, with the most commonly reported ages being 11–13, followed by 17–18. Adding to the concern are 34 cases where the age of the individual remains unknown.

This raises a critical question. Could better school security not only deter these crimes but also provide opportunities for earlier intervention? As other Northern regions show greater progress in reducing incidents, Cleveland must adopt stronger measures to ensure the safety of its students and create an environment where knife crime has no place.

Cleveland’s Position in Northern England Knife Crime Data

Cleveland currently ranks 5th out of the 9 Northern regions for total reported knife-related incidents in schools, with a troubling 76 cases documented. This places Cleveland in a concerning position, as the number of incidents remains notably high despite a decline in overall knife crime since 2021.

Of these 76 reported cases, possession is the most common crime, underscoring the ease with which weapons are being brought into school environments. While this is a positive sign in that it indicates fewer actual attacks, the fact that so many young people are carrying weapons remains a serious issue.

Despite the decline in knife crime, Cleveland has failed to reduce its numbers as effectively as some of its neighbouring regions. Areas with similar demographics and challenges, such as West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire, have managed to bring their knife crime cases down further, suggesting that Cleveland could benefit from adopting and enhancing the security measures already successful elsewhere.

The current position highlights the urgent need for Cleveland to ramp up its efforts to tackle knife crime and school safety. With the issue still widespread, particularly in younger age groups, Cleveland must take a proactive approach to not only address existing cases but also prevent future incidents.

The Age Problem: Who is Affected?

One of the most alarming aspects of knife crime in Cleveland schools is the age of the individuals involved. The most commonly reported age group for knife-related incidents is 11–13 years old, followed closely by 17–18-year-olds. This indicates that the issue is not only affecting older students but also those in early adolescence, a stage when peer pressure and exposure to violence can significantly influence behaviour.

Even more concerning is the five reported cases involving children aged 10 and under. These young students are at a critical stage of development, and such early exposure to knives and violence raises serious questions about the factors driving these incidents—whether they be family circumstances, social pressures, or a lack of appropriate intervention at an earlier stage.

Furthermore, there are 34 cases where the age of the individual is unknown, adding another layer of complexity to understanding the full scope of the issue. These cases could involve students in the same vulnerable age groups, but the lack of age-specific data makes it harder to develop targeted strategies for intervention and prevention.

The age range of those involved in knife crime in Cleveland schools reveals the severity and reach of the problem, making it clear that immediate action is needed to protect young students and prevent further incidents.

Learning from Other Regions: Why Cleveland is Falling Behind

While Cleveland’s knife crime rates in schools remain high, neighbouring Northern regions have managed to achieve greater reductions in similar incidents. This highlights an important opportunity for Cleveland to learn from these areas and strengthen its approach to tackling knife crime.

Regions such as South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire have seen significant improvements by implementing a combination of effective security measures, community engagement, and educational programs. These areas have introduced initiatives like increased school police liaison officers, robust anti-knife campaigns, and better access to mental health and support services for at-risk students. Additionally, schools in these regions have focused on building positive relationships with students to prevent violence before it escalates, with many schools adopting zero-tolerance policies for weapons and proactive measures like metal detectors and enhanced surveillance.

In contrast, Cleveland has not yet implemented these strategies at the same scale, which may be why its knife crime numbers have not decreased as dramatically. Cleveland’s slower progress could also be due to a lack of consistent investment in both preventative programs and security measures, as well as fewer collaborative efforts between schools, local authorities, and community organisations.

By closely examining the successful approaches in these neighbouring regions, Cleveland can adapt and implement similar measures that have proven to be effective. Whether it's investing in increased school security, expanding educational outreach, or focusing on early intervention, Cleveland can reverse its position and reduce knife crime in schools more effectively. The need for action is clear, and Cleveland must act quickly to ensure its students are not left behind.

Industry Expert Insight

Thomas Bradley, Education Two-Way Radio Specialist at Eemits Communications, stresses the urgent need for improved safety measures in Cleveland schools:

"As a business based in Teesside, the statistics on knife crime for schools in our area are sad to see. The reality for schools should be about learning and helping young people develop, not wondering whether the lives of students and staff are at risk. 

"The statistics show that it's never been more important to increase safety and efficiency measures within the school grounds. Our advice, as a business that supports schools with two-way communication needs, is for schools to ensure they have the right communication tools in place to support with things like raising alarms, reducing response times, and triggering lockdown protocols at speed."

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