Innovative Virtual Reality Knife Crime Programme Launched

A new virtual reality programme will be used across Warwickshire to educate young people on the realities of carrying a knife and how they might become pressured into doing so.

The new programme has been supported and funded by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Warwick District Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council, alongside Warwickshire County Council and The Office of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

The programme to be delivered is designed by award-winning VR specialists, Virtual Decisions, specialised in theatre, drama, and tech in education.

Since 1992, Virtual Decisions has worked with over 200,000 young people delivering projects across the UK and internationally.

The knife crime programme specifically helps young people explore the dangers and potential consequences of "carrying" without "telling" them what to do.

A launch event took place on the at the end of September and  saw a number of statutory organisations, including schools and community groups come together to experience the programme first hand.

The programme is available for delivery for free in all schools, youth organisations and clubs within Warwickshire. To find out more in Stratford-on-Avon District please email alyssa.davies@stratford-dc.gov.uk 

"This is a very exciting project to help young people all of whom are most at risk of being affected by knife crime understand choice and consequence without being talked down to by older people," said Cllr Natalie Gist, Portfolio Holder for Law and Governance at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, who attended the event.

"If you are a school, charity or organisation in Stratford District who work with young people, please get in touch with our Community Safety Team to arrange delivery of the programme."

The prevention of knife crime is a key focus of community safety partners in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Police, with the support of partners, has launched a new policing initiative called Operation Talkative to encourage reporting of knife carrying. Operation Talkative is asking for our community to share more information about anyone they know or hear about in possession of a knife.

If you have information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Warwickshire Police by going to www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101 and quote Operation Talkative. If someone is carrying a knife on them at the current time, call 999. If you wish to remain anonymous you can report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org