Knife Crime in Wrexham

In 2020, the young people of the Senedd yr Ifanc conducted a quesstionaire with the hope of gaining a view of the knife crime issues within Wrexham. 

The previous consultation gave the young people of the Senedd yr Ifanc a view of the knife crime in the area, however they felt they needed a clearer picture. 

Therefore the Senedd yr Ifanc would like to run a similar questionnaire again. 

This questionnaire is completely anonymous; we would like you to answer the questions openly and honestly. This consultation is aimed at young people aged 11-25. 

During the period of September – November 2021, the members of the Senedd yr Ifanc conducted a Knife Crime Consultation with the young people of Wrexham. The aim of the consultation was to gain a clearer picture of young people’s views of knife crime. The consultation was anonymous and directed at young people aged 11-25.

93% of the young people who responded were of the school age of 11-16 years old. The pupils of every high school in Wrexham were given the opportunity to take part in this consultation. 

Responses were received from a total of 1378 young people

Based on our findings, the Senedd yr Ifanc recommendations are as follows:

•             A county wide anti-knife campaign aimed at young people in Wrexham.

We recommended that the campaign should be personalised to young people from Wrexham and show the true picture of knife crime in the area. The campaign should be promoted via posters and billboards both in and outside of the town centre as well as on social media. The campaign should be created in conjunction with young people.

•             The Senedd yr Ifanc recommend that a county wide education programme should be created to promote the anti-knife crime message.

This programme should be delivered to all secondary school pupils in the county. There should be an age appropriate session for pupils in each school year. This programme should be delivered via PSE lessons and should be revisited each school year. Sessions should also be created to be delivered in community groups and youth clubs.

This programme should be created in conjunction with young people, the police, secondary school teachers, the youth service and youth justice.

•             More awareness is need on how to surrender a knife or sharp object.

The Senedd yr Ifanc recommends that more work is needed to promote the laws and consequences of carrying a knife or sharp object.