POLICE teams in Cornwall recently visited schools in St Austell with a knife arch, demonstrating the kit in action and educating young people about the dangers of carrying a knife.

The knife arch, which looks similar to security scanners used in airports, was taken to Poltair School and Penrice Academy. Students aged 11-16 had the opportunity to see how the arch works while listening to a presentation about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

Inspector Si Andrews, who heads up the neighbourhood police team in St Austell, said: “Knife crime is not a major problem in Devon and Cornwall.

“This visit wasn’t about trying to find knives, but about educating students and opening up a conversation about knife crime with young people.

“It’s particularly important for us to share this message with this age group. If we can encourage young people to make safe decisions and deter them from carrying a knife now or in the future, that’s a win.”

Insp Andrews added: “We take the safety of young people and our communities seriously. Vital work like this, which helps to safeguard and protect individuals from being involved in illegal activity, will continue throughout the year.”

Mrs Spurgeon, assistant headteacher at Poltair School, commented: “It’s been fantastic to see so many students engaging with the visit. We will continue to work closely with Devon and Cornwall Police and Safer Cornwall to ensure our students are educated on key national issues that impact young people.”

There are four knife arches across Devon and Cornwall. They are used at a variety of events and venues to detect metal objects, flashing red for a positive result and green for a negative scan.

This activity took place during the national knife crime week of intensification, Sceptre. The week of action aims to educate and raise wider awareness around knives and knife crime.

A person that is found with a knife in a public place, can be arrested and charged and possibly even get a criminal record. It is illegal for knife retailers to sell knives to people under 18.

The maximum penalty for an adult found carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either four years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. They will get a prison sentence if convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once.

Members of the public who have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, are urged report it to Devon and Cornwall Police online via their website www.devon-cornwall.police.uk, or Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555111. A person’s information could help save a life.