News blog

The news follows an announcement by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill that he is doubling the funding of the award-winning scheme to ensure young people in more communities in Scotland can benefit from the No Knives Better Lives anti-knife crime campaign.

The scheme contributed to a 35 per cent reduction in knife carrying in Inverclyde and a 29 per cent reduction in knife carrying in neighbouring Renfrewshire during the period of campaigns there.

Under the initiative, a range of innovative tactics, targeted advertising in areas where young people are known to congregate, diversionary activities, work in schools and youth work interventions will be used to get the message across.

Today's announcement was made at the Whale Art Centre in Wester Hailes, which has received funding for various projects through the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities initiative, as well as now having free access to the new No Knives Better Lives resources.

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Paul Edie, said: "We fully support the No Knives Better Lives campaign which deals with the terrible consequences of knife crime. In south west Edinburgh, we have a proven track record of engaging with young people through diversionary activities and this full programme of engagement allows our young people to focus on positive choices, not crime."

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, said: "There is a culture of knife crime in parts of Scotland which stretches back decades and communities continue to be blighted by the scourge of knives. We want to do everything we can to educate the next generation of young Scots and stop them going down the wrong path in life.

"The key to tackling knife crime is a combination of tough enforcement on the streets, backed by early intervention and education. However, there are no easy solutions and if we are to make a difference we need to tackle the root causes of knife crime as well as punish the offenders, and education is absolutely key. We need to get the message across to young people about the dangers and consequences of knives.

"No Knives Better Lives is achieving impressive results, and more young people are getting the message that carrying a knife is not worth the risk. However, there will be absolutely no let up in our efforts because every knife incident is one too many."

Lothian and Borders Police Area Commander, Superintendent David Carridice, said: "The No Knives Better Lives campaign is a welcome addition to the existing work in south west Edinburgh aimed at tackling violent crime. We are confident that the initiative will go a long way to helping young people make the right choices when it comes to knife crime and choosing not to carry a knife.

"Knife crime affects everyone and for too long has adversely affected communities across Scotland. It simply will not be tolerated on our streets and residents should be reassured that together with our partners, young people and local community members, we will be unrelenting on this issue. Together we can make a difference and keep people safe."

Latest official statistics show that recorded crime is at its lowest level in 35 years, the number of people carrying an offensive weapon in Scotland is down to its lowest level in a decade, down 38% since 2006/07, and those convicted of carrying a knife are now serving the longest prison sentences in a decade.

As well as supporting and promoting quality educational and diversionary activities for young people, the No Knives Better Lives team also seeks to reassure local residents that meaningful efforts are being made to improve safety in their community.

Find out more by logging onto www.noknivesbetterlives.com

Extra information:

No Knives Better Lives is a national youth engagement initiative aimed at educating young people about the dangers of carrying a knife and the devastating personal consequences it can have on their future, as well as on their family and friends.

· It gives young people good reasons not to carry a knife, showing them that it's not worth the risks or consequences, and helps shape positive attitudes and influences better life choices by promoting diversionary activities.

· A number of partners in west Edinburgh - including the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police - already work together to provide high quality diversionary activities for young people.

· An advertising campaign tailored specifically for the south west Edinburgh area will also roll out this year, aimed at young people (aged 11-17) in the community depicting the life-changing choice between 'knife' or 'life' that many young people face.

· South West Edinburgh is one of six new priority areas for the No Knives Better Lives campaign along with East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, South East Glasgow and West Edinburgh.