THE GRANDMOTHER of a young man who was stabbed to death in Bournemouth has campaigned for tougher rules on knife crime.
The Knife Crime Awareness campaign across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was launched in May and follows the tragic death of Cameron Hamilton, 18, last summer.
Cameron’s grandmother, Tracy Jose said: “The impacts of knife crime are very real, as my family has sadly experienced first-hand. It is amazing we have a second round of the Knife Crime Awareness campaign.
“Anything that gets young people engaging and talking about knife crime is so important for everyone, this is why I have started the charity ‘Changes Are Made’ in memory of Cam who was killed last year. I really hope by a family member speaking to young people directly it can make a difference in the fight against knife crime.
“As Cameron Hamilton’s grandmother, I would ask everyone to think twice before they make the decision to pick up a knife, which could have serious consequences for them, and devastate other families like ours.
"Please don’t carry a knife – if there had not been a knife present on the 5 August last year, Cam would still be alive and here with us today.”
BCP Council is also holding various events to educate residents on the prevention of knife crime in Dorset.
The council has also announced it will be hosting a special ‘celebration’ event to educate residents on tools to help address knife-crime related incidents.
The event held on September 21 will also feature activities such as DJ sessions, dancing, a skate ramp and African drumming.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services, BCP Council, said: “Dorset is the seventh safest place in England, and we know that most of our young people do not carry knives.
"But we know there is a younger demographic, age 12 and over, that we need to target as part of our preventative work. Officers will be working with the Police and partners to engage with this group to help educate and empower them to make positive choices.
“Come along to our packed schedule of events and talk to us and see all the positive things you can get involved in.”
A knife crime awareness stand will also be visible at multiple Fresher’s Fair events at several Dorset universities.
There will also be community engagement stands at Bournemouth Hospital, Asda West Quay Road, Poole and Tesco Castle Lane, Bournemouth.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “This campaign is a positive symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration, but it is vital the work doesn’t stop here.
“Tackling knife crime is a priority in Dorset, and I remain absolutely committed to creating a safer environment for all Dorset’s residents and visitors.”
Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer at Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “Safety and security are the number one priority for our businesses so supporting this awareness campaign, as part of a collaborative approach, is one of the ways we can help make a difference.”
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