MW

“I wanted to be a gangster.” These are the words of *Anthony, a former young offender and victim of child criminal exploitation (CCE) here in Staffordshire. He agreed to speak to Staffordshire Police as part of their Ditch the Blade campaign, which raises awareness around the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. “I started by …

A gateway into exploitation: Carrying a knife led to me being exploited and kidnapped Read More »

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 …

Ninja sword ban comes into force Read More »

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% …

Over 1,000 children, families and professionals supported through Catch22’s Child Criminal Exploitation Service Read More »

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 …

Campaign to tackle violence against frontline workers launches across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Read More »

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 »

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 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, …

New resource to raise awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma launches in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Read More »

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 »