Terrifying Truths: What Happens When You’re Caught With a Knife in Cornwall?

Police bring knife arch and powerful message to St Austell schools

Police in Cornwall have been out speaking directly with students in St Austell about the dangers of knife crime, during a national week of action known as Sceptre.

Officers visited Poltair School and Penrice Academy with a metal-detecting knife arch, using it as a conversation starter to educate pupils aged 11 to 16 on the risks and consequences of carrying a knife.

The kit, which looks similar to the scanners used at airports, is one of four knife arches used across Devon and Cornwall. It lights up red when metal is detected and green for a clear scan. The point of the visit wasn’t to catch anyone, but to spark discussion and raise awareness among young people.

‘Every young person educated is a win’

Inspector Si Andrews, who leads the neighbourhood policing team in St Austell, said:
“Knife crime is not a major problem in Devon and Cornwall.
“This visit wasn’t about trying to find knives, but about educating students and opening up a conversation about knife crime with young people.
“It’s particularly important for us to share this message with this age group. If we can encourage young people to make safe decisions and deter them from carrying a knife now or in the future, that’s a win.”

He added: “We take the safety of young people and our communities seriously. Vital work like this, which helps to safeguard and protect individuals from being involved in illegal activity, will continue throughout the year.”

Schools welcome the visit

Mrs Spurgeon, Assistant Headteacher at Poltair School, said:
“It’s been fantastic to see so many students engaging with the visit. We will continue to work closely with Devon and Cornwall Police and Safer Cornwall to ensure our students are educated on key national issues that impact young people.”

Know the law: what happens if you’re caught with a knife?

As part of the Sceptre week of action, officers across the country have been reminding people of the legal consequences of carrying a knife.

If you’re found with a knife in a public place, you could be arrested, charged, and even end up with a criminal record. Knife retailers are also breaking the law if they sell knives to anyone under 18.

The maximum penalty for an adult caught carrying a knife illegally is four years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. A repeat offence carries an automatic prison sentence.

Concerned about someone carrying a knife?

Anyone with information or concerns about someone carrying a knife is urged to report it. You can contact Devon & Cornwall Police online or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Police say your tip-off could help save a life.

For more details about what’s legal when it comes to knives and weapons, including banned items and lawful reasons for carrying one, visit the official Government guidance.