From today, (Friday 1 August), ninja swords across England and Wales have been banned and the law around ownership change. Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment, Surrender and Compensation) Order 2025, it is now illegal to own, sell, manufacture or import these weapons. Anyone found is possession of ninja swords could lead …
Over 200 children at risk of, or victims of, Child Criminal Exploitation were supported last year by the Catch22 service, commissioned by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office. A further 169 parents and carers also received support, and 700 professionals were given the tools and training to support a child they already had meaningful relationships with. 97% …
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) has launched a new campaign to tackle violence against frontline workers across the City and County. Developed in partnership with Staffordshire Police, the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board and West Midlands Ambulance Service, the campaign raises awareness of the person behind the role and the importance …
Our officers have been out in force taking part in enforcement and education, as part of our campaign #DitchTheBlade and a national drive on knife-related crime. Local policing teams (LPTs) spent time last week building on the work they do all year round to keep our communities safe, carrying out high-priority arrests, knife crime operations …
Arrests made and knives taken off the streets in knife crime intensification week Read More »
Following an increase in assaults against emergency workers, and the violent disorders that occurred in summer 2024, the VRA has worked with partners to develop a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of frontline worker’s safety in order to protect us.
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) has today (12 May) launched a new campaign to support young people to manage their emotions and feelings. The ‘Where Will It End’ campaign raises awareness of how emotions and feelings can affect behaviour choices, demonstrates how low-level violence can escalate and signposts young people to practical …
Campaign co-produced by young people launches to help prevent violence Read More »
The Where Will It End campaign raises awareness of how emotions and feelings can influence behaviour choices and how low-level violence can escalate to serious violence.
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) has launched a suite of online resources for professionals to help them recognise Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma in children and young people, and increase their ability to provide appropriate support. Although many people who experience trauma will progress in life without any long-term negative impacts, …
A service for vulnerable children and young adults affected by violence will be delivered by Catch22 across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, following the award of a new contract by the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime. Initially operating as a pilot scheme, the Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA)’s Navigator and Tailored Support Service works …
Service to navigate children and young adults away from violence set to launch Read More »
The public is being urged to surrender any so-called ‘zombie’ knives to designated police stations across Staffordshire as the government looks to launch its national amnesty compensation scheme next week. The scheme, which runs from 26 August until 23 September, comes before zombie-style knives and machetes become banned in England and Wales on 24 September. The …
