Knife crime campaign launched in Seaford and surrounding areas

Crimestoppers has launched a new social media campaign to help reduce knife crime in Seaford and nearby towns.

It’s being run through the charity’s youth service, Fearless.org, which allows young people to report information about weapons without revealing their identity.

The campaign follows the death of 16-year-old Joshua Ingram, who was fatally stabbed at Seaford Railway Station earlier this year.

Annabelle Goodenough, South Central East Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Our aim is to both educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife, or any other weapon, as well as encourage a young person who does know who regularly carries a weapon to speak up about crime without fear of retribution. We want to dispel myths around carrying knives and highlight the serious consequences involved.

We also urge adults in Sussex who have concerns or knowledge about someone carrying a knife or other weapon to report what they know 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers. Our commitment to safeguarding the identity of those who contact us remains unwavering.”

She added: “We are proud of our independent status and our ability to pass on vital information securely and anonymously. Whether you’re a young person or an adult, your report can make a real difference in keeping communities safe.”

For more information or to report concerns anonymously, visit Fearless.org, call 0800 555 111, or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Neighbourhood Youth Officer, PC Ruth Parnell-Mace, Sussex Police commented: "On 10 September, Joshua Ingram, a 16-year-old student from the local community, died after being stabbed at Seaford Railway Station. This tragic incident has affected not only Josh’s family and friends, but also the wider community.

"In the immediate aftermath, the community came together to support the large number of young people affected. From my work in schools in the area, I know all too well the reluctance young people have when reporting concerns to police due to fear of reprisals or being seen as a ‘snitch’. By working with Fearless.org we hope that young people will feel more able and confident to tell someone what they know.

"With funding secured from the Lewes and Eastbourne Community Safety Partnership, we have been able to book a specialist Fearless Worker to spend a day in each of the secondary schools on the coast (Seaford Head, Seahaven Academy and Peacehaven Community School) where they will provide a range of talks, assemblies and workshops. In addition, schools and youth workers across a wider area into Lewes and Eastbourne districts, are supporting this awareness campaign by taking part in “Train the Trainer” sessions so they can continue to spread the message moving forward.

"Knife crime affects the whole community, and we need the whole community to help prevent it. I urge everyone who has information about anyone carrying weapons to report this to police or anonymously to Fearless.org."

Deputy Leader of Lewes District Council and Chair of the local Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Christine Robinson, said: “The Lewes and Eastbourne Community Safety Partnership are pleased to be able to fund this initiative, which will see a specialist Fearless Worker spend a day in each of the three secondary schools located on the coast (Seaford Head, Seahaven Academy and Peacehaven Community School) where they will provide a range of talks, assemblies and workshops. In addition, schools and youth workers across the District, are supporting this awareness campaign by taking part in “Train the Trainer” sessions so they can continue to spread the message moving forward.

"This work is a valuable addition to the prevention activities already being co-ordinated by Sussex Police, council and voluntary youth services, targeted at avoiding a re-occurrence of the recent tragedy, which we know has had such a devastating effect on the family and friends of Josh Ingrham.“