Art helps fight crime

As part of the force’s on-going commitment to tackling knife crime across the county, Bedfordshire Police’s Crime Reduction Sergeant Ben Dimmock and Children & Young People Development Officer Richard Denton visited Arnold Academy in Barton and Biggleswade Academy last week.

They delivered an educational session to pupils on the dangers and consequences of knife crime, with the young people then being asked to create a piece of artwork around knife crime, gangs, and violence.

The winning designs will be placed on to the knife bins which are located across the county.

Sergeant Dimmock said: “Some young people might want to carry a knife or be part of a gang because they feel it will make them safer, but it’s important that they know that just by carrying a knife they are putting themselves at higher risk of becoming a victim themselves. They could also end up with a criminal record, a jail sentence, and a hefty fine – even if they don’t use the knife.

“That’s why we are continuing to educate young people across the county, to get the message home that carrying a knife really isn’t worth it. The pupils at both schools were really receptive to our session and produced some fantastic art work showing their interpretation of this important issue.”