The Portsmouth Academy teenagers develop knife crime app

Fifteen-year-old Daniela is one of five students from The Portsmouth Academy who developed the Safe Edge app to raise awareness and offer support on the dangers of knife crime.

They were given advice from members of the police and crime commissioner’s Violent Crime Taskforce.

From left, PS Henry Bulbeck, Daniela, PC Sophie Young, Donna Jones, Tajkia and Sabriha. (Image: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner)

Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: "Apps like these have the potential to save people’s lives.

"These students really are an inspiration to their peers.

"They understand how raising awareness is vital if we’re to tackle the problem head on.

"Their slogan ‘Drop a knife, save a life’ epitomises that.

"My continuing concern is that some young people genuinely believe carrying a knife will keep them safe."

Daniela said: "I realised this really is an issue when my brother got chased by someone with a knife. I was really scared for him."

The app includes a map of knife surrender boxes, videos, articles and local resources for those who need help.

From left, Tajkia, 14, Sabriha, 15, PCC Donna Jones and Daniela, 15. (Image: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner)

Its content is now used in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons on knife crime at The Portsmouth Academy, with plans to expand its reach to other schools across the city.

Ms Jones said: "Society as a whole has a role to play in trying to tackle the reasons behind that decision which is why I continue to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds into projects across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight which support young people at risk."

The project recently won Best Business at the Portsmouth Engineering Training Association’s Apprentice vs Dragons Den competition.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary continue to target knife crime through education and enforcement.

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows knife crime in the area has dropped by 27.6 per cent over the past two years.

In a recent week of action, officers visited 82 stores in Havant, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight to check compliance with laws on knife sales to under-18s.

Nine shops failed and were referred to Trading Standards.