Gangs and knife crime

When we talk about gangs, we mean organised groups of adults committing crimes. Gangs often involve children and young people in their crimes by offering them money and free things for doing tasks like travel somewhere else to sell drugs, sometimes called ‘going cunch’ or ‘running county lines’.

Gangs from different areas can also be violent towards each other and if you are part of a gang, carrying a knife can make you feel safer. There are risks around being part of a gang and carrying a knife, and it’s important for children and young people to understand this to be able to keep themselves safe.

It is never too late to ask for help if you or someone you know wants to leave a gang, or is scared of what a gang might do to them.

Get help or advice

• learn more about the risks associated with knives, real people’s stories and where to go for help, visit the Knifefree website
• for help call Childline on tel: 0800 1111
• you can report a crime anonymously on the Fearless website

If you would like to speak to a social worker in your area, you can contact them via email or phone:

Hammersmith & Fulham: [email protected] or 020 8753 6600
Kensington and Chelsea: [email protected] or 020 7361 3013
Westminster: [email protected] or 020 7641 4000

 

In an emergency, call 999.