An Avon and Somerset Police chief has refuted claims that Bristol is a “national hub of violent crime” despite a series of stabbings early last year, which he acknowledges have tarnished the city’s image. When compared to other major English cities, Bristol experiences fewer violent crimes.
Nevertheless, recent figures indicate a significant rise in knife crime within the city, with incidents soaring to 1,953 last year, marking a 26 per cent increase from the 1,553 reported the previous year. Bristol Live readers would like to see more police on the streets and an increase in community engagement.
The surge in knife crime is a national issue, but two specific factors have contributed to the uptick in Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police have intensified efforts to accurately record offences involving knives, resulting in higher quality data and complicating direct comparisons with previous years.
Additionally, escalating gang tensions in the eastern parts of Bristol have played a role. Drug-related activities are cited as a “serious driver” of youth violence in the area, with young individuals being recruited to distribute drugs throughout the city.
Another contributing factor is the scarcity of alternative prospects for youths, as the potential earnings from drug-related activities and gang involvement prove tempting for many.
Junius1 says: “There have been some very high profile knife crime murders in the city, but it shouldn’t be drawn from that that knife crime is rampant throughout the city. It is concentrated in certain parts of the city and often linked to other crimes, particularly drugs. It’s important not to spuriously spread fear about knife crime as it will only result in more youths carrying knives in the misguided belief that they are protecting themselves.
“We should be congratulating the police for the better recording of such crimes, which might have contributed to the size of last year’s rise compared to the previous and working in partnership with community groups to combat knife crime. Safe places for young people to be able to socialize is a good idea for all neighbourhoods and more patrolling police, especially at night, in areas where violent crime rates are higher.”
Thedebaser replies: “Good to read a sensible and reasoned comment on here. So much better to address the issues and promote sensible solutions, rather than get distracted by the people whining about how much better it was in their day (with zero evidence).”
Dre76 points out: “When you have gangs of kids wandering aimlessly around and no action taken then you have to expect trouble. There are no police patrols anymore in South Bristol, I can’t even remember the last time I saw one.”
Darrow agrees: “There may have been fewer stabbings than in other cities (not much to boast about), but that statement does nothing to make the people of Bristol feel safer. What is needed is a visible police presence on the streets.”
Thedebaser replies: “Randomly wasting valuable officers by having them pointlessly wander the streets isn’t helpful. Officers need to be responding to actual incidents rather than standing around on street corners. Would-be offenders just wait for them to pass on by, it doesn’t solve anything whatsoever.
“The best way to make people feel safer is to reduce criminality by the most efficient and effective policing possible. I’m not interested in paying for valuable police officers, especially senior ones, to wander about chatting with the unemployed and elderly on the beat. Much better to have them respond to actual reported incidents. Much better to have them working on investigations”
Berklicker retorts: “Oh yes, so much better to respond to a serious crime than to engage the public and actually prevent crime in the community.”
J5eyes adds: “A police presence is a central government issue, nothing to do with Bristol in particular. It’s the same everywhere. This government has pledged to increase police numbers. We will see if this happens.”
KaptainVon asks: “Could the alleged 26% rise be down to changes in the way the police record such crimes rather than a sudden rampant crimewave? Data needs to look into why some youngsters feel the need to carry knives. Is it out of bravado, to look tough, gang membership or genuine fear? Or is it a fear making them believe a situation exists when it does not.
“There is also a need to address why the likelihood of becoming a victim of knife crime is higher in some areas. There needs to be a lot more proactive engagement and more boots on the ground to deal with all crime, sadly something that cuts to both the police service and youth outreach groups have done nothing to help with.”
Dizzy1 thinks: “There is no real deterrent for knife crime, if a person is caught with a knife they are merely given a slap on the wrist.”
Have you been affected by knife crime in Bristol? Do you feel safe at night? Have your say in our comments section.