Knife crime

Is it legal for a shop to sell you a knife if you are over 16?

• Yes

• No

• Unsure

What is the maximum prison sentence you could get for carrying a knife, even if you don’t use it?

• Up to 1 years.

• Up to 3years.

• Up to 5 years.

• Up to 7 years.

Is carrying a knife for protection a reasonable excuse in law?

• Yes

• No

• Unsure

What percentage of people who carry knives have been injured by their own weapon.

• 25%

• 35%

• 45%

• 55%

Is carrying something like a sharpened comb considered illegal in the same way that carrying a knife is?

• yes

• no

• unsure

Is it true that having a criminal record can affect where you are allowed to travel?

• Yes

• No

• Unsure

True or false: If you are caught carrying a knife/weapon you will only get a Police caution?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Carrying a knife is a crime and if caught you will be charged and reported. You may also be fined or imprisoned for up to 4 years or both.

True or false: It is illegal to buy a knife if you are under the age of 18?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It is a criminal offence for a person under 18 to buy a knife and it’s illegal for shops to sell knives to anyone under 18 years old.

True or false: It has nothing to do with me if I know someone is carrying a knife/weapon?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Knife crime is everyone’s responsibility, if you know someone is carrying a knife or other weapon you can report it to someone you trust. If you want to report anonymously you can call Crimestoppers.

True or false: A criminal record could affect your career and further education prospects?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A criminal record can be with you for the rest of your life. It could affect your being accepted into college or university or even getting a job.