WEST Midlands Police say they are intercepting ‘30-40 parcels a month’ containing weapons ordered online and heading for addresses in the region.
The astounding figures come as police revealed they had seized 173 knives as part of a week long sweep across the West Midlands.
It’s all part of a crackdown targeting young people in particular who feel ‘safer’ carrying a weapon, even though those carrying weapons are themselves more likely to become victims of knife crime.
A police spokesperson said: “We are therefore encouraging parents to be mindful − would you know if your child was ordering a weapon?
“Are you able to check what’s been ordered on your online accounts?
“What would you do if you found out your child had ordered a weapon?
“We know many young people who carry weapons do so because they feel they have to for protection.
“But if you carry a knife you’re more likely to end up using it − often resulting in devastating and life changing consequences for all those involved.”
The message has been taken directly to young people and school children, talking to them about knife crime and the consequences of carrying a knife.
“But we can’t do it alone, so we’re also urging teachers and parents to have conversations about knife crime,” said the spokesperson.
“We have a dedicated website which contains useful information and advice for teachers and parents.
“We have also spoken to a teenager in prison who was convicted of murder after he fatally stabbed one man and seriously injured another.
“His candid interview describes taking a knife from the kitchen drawer for ‘protection’ and that if he hadn’t done that, it would have been a fist fight.
“We’re sharing this with young people at schools across the region so they can hear from a peer about how serious knife crime is.”
For more information on the fight against knife crime visit https://lifeorknife.west-midlands.police.uk/
