A motion on knife crime and its tragic consequences proposed by Plaid Cymru group leader Charlotte Bishop has been passed unanimously by Caerphilly councillors.
Councillor Charlotte Bishop proposed the motion at a council meeting in the wake of the death by knife of a teenager in Abertridwr – which she represents – earlier this year.
Councillor Charlotte Bishop told the council: “I bring this motion during Knife Crime Awareness Week following the tragic loss of a 17-year-old young person who was stabbed, an event that shook our community to its core and ruined countless lives forever.
“Knife crime has devastating consequences, not only for the victim, but for families, friends, schools, workplaces, emergency services, and entire communities left dealing with the trauma and heartbreak that follows.
“This motion recognises that poor mental health and unresolved trauma can be root causes that affect people of all ages, often contributing to antisocial behaviour, substance misuse, violence, and wider social harm if support and intervention do not come early enough. While we must continue supporting adults affected by these issues, we also have a responsibility to intervene earlier where possible to help prevent future tragedy.
“By strengthening awareness, partnership working, education, community engagement, and practical measures such as knife amnesties, we can work together to reduce harm, protect lives, and prevent other families and communities from experiencing the same devastating loss.”
NOTICE OF MOTION – KNIFE CRIME PREVENTION, KNIFE AMNESTY AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Notice of motion standing in the name of Councillor Charlotte Bishop and supported
This Council notes that:
Knife crime affects people of all ages and backgrounds and causes profound harm to individuals, families, and communities.
Violent incidents involving knives often arise from moments of heightened emotion or conflict, with irreversible consequences.
The loss of life to knife-related violence creates lasting trauma across communities, including families, workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to the long-term effects of violence and benefit from timely and accessible mental health support.
This Council recognises that:
Every life has equal value, and no life should be lost to a single moment of violence involving a knife.
Knife crime prevention requires a whole-community approach that addresses behaviour across all age groups.
Effective prevention is not solely reliant on enforcement, but on education, awareness, early intervention, and partnership working.
Supporting young people’s mental health is a key protective factor in reducing the risk of violence and harm.
This Council resolves to:
Support the promotion of a local knife amnesty within existing resources, working in partnership with Gwent Police and relevant partners to encourage the safe and anonymous surrender of knives by people of all ages.
Utilise existing communication channels and partnerships to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of carrying knives and to promote messages of safety, responsibility, and conflict resolution.
Strengthen the coordination of existing preventative activity, including education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives already delivered by Council services and partner organisations.
Continue to prioritise mental health support for young people within current provision, including signposting, early help, and collaboration between schools, youth services, and health partners.
Engage compassionately with affected families and communities, ensuring appropriate support and signposting are offered following knife-related incidents.
Request a briefing report to Council, using existing data and resources, outlining current knife crime prevention activity, partnership working, and opportunities to improve coordination without additional cost.
This Council affirms that:
Knife crime is not inevitable. By using existing resources effectively, strengthening partnership working, supporting young people’s mental health, and promoting
practical measures such as knife amnesties, Caerphilly County Borough Council commits to reducing harm and protecting lives across all ages.