Police Launch New Website Aimed at Reducing Knife Crime in Devon and Cornwall

Published On: 27 November 2025Last Updated: 27 November 2025By CornishStuff

Devon and Cornwall Police has launched a new website designed to help tackle knife crime and support safer communities, with the backing of a Cornish family who lost a loved one in a fatal stabbing outside a Bodmin nightclub in 2023.

Aiming to Keep Knife Crime Low

The campaign centres on the #NotTheOne website, which shares statistics, videos, lived experience stories and interactive education packages. According to the police, one in 1,000 people in Devon and Cornwall carry a knife.

Force knife crime lead, DCI Steve Fleetwood, said,
“Here in Devon and Cornwall knife crime levels are very low. We want to keep it that way by educating the public and preventing and reducing knife crime in our communities, which is why we have developed this website.
“It is our hope that the website will provide information for various audiences, including young people, to educate people about knife carrying and to understand the dangers and possible consequences. There are some very moving stories recounted on video by victims, perpetrators, mothers, teachers, etc. which show the reality of knife crime when it happens.
“Our message has been and remains that knife carrying doesn’t make you safer. We urge anyone who is concerned about knife crime in their area, to contact police and tell us about it.”

A Family’s Support After Tragedy

The campaign is being supported by the family of Michael Riddiough-Allen, who died after a knife attack in 2023. His sister, Becky Dustan, co-founder and trustee of MIKES Trust, said,
“I know first-hand the devastating consequences that a knife in the wrong hands can cause. My family lives every day with the loss of Michael. He lost his life trying to protect others from the danger of a knife, and now we work to protect others in his memory.
“I firmly believe that educating young people and supporting them to make safer choices is one of the most effective ways to prevent and reduce knife crime. This new website represents a significant step towards that goal.”

Encouraging Anonymous Reporting

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez welcomed the campaign, saying,
“We must do everything we can to stop our young people being affected by knife crime. I’m pleased to see this campaign promoting Fearless, the anonymous reporting tool operated by Crimestoppers, because when I visit schools and colleges young people often tell me they weren’t aware of the option to report crime anonymously. I want to thank the young people who’ve been involved in this website, and the family of Michael Riddiough-Allen, for the work they’re doing to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of carrying a knife.”