Dorset Police news site

A new initiative created by the Force and partners is helping to steer young people away from carrying knives and entering the criminal justice system.

The Skills 4 Safer Streets project is introducing event days to local schools which combine the teaching of skills such as Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiujitsu with educational sessions on knife crime.

While Dorset has low levels of knife crime and is a safe county to live in, one person carrying a knife is one person too many, so tackling these offences remains a priority for the Force. 

The initiative has been developed by Dorset Police alongside Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, BCP Council, the army and local gyms with the aim of educating children on knife crime, providing them with positive role models and ultimately preventing them from engaging in criminality.

On Tuesday 24 March 2026, Skills 4 Safer Streets was hosted for Year 9 and Year 10 pupils at Twynham School in Christchurch.

During the day, the teenagers were given Skills 4 Safer Streets T-shirts designed by the Force,  took part in first aid sessions, learnt and practiced the key components of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiujitsu and were educated on the dangers of knife crime and the consequences of carrying a knife.

This event followed a successful first Skills 4 Safer Streets event, which was hosted at Redhill Fire Station in November 2025 and welcomed children aged between 10 and 15 from schools in the Bournemouth area. These pupils took part in similar physical activities, and as a result, 25 per cent of those who attended enrolled in local gyms.

Skills 4 Safer Streets will continue to run alongside the Firearms and Knife Education (FAKE) presentations the Force already delivers at schools and local youth clubs across the county.

Detective Superintendent Andy Bell, Dorset Police’s knife crime lead, said: “It remains a Force priority to tackle knife crime and preventative work plays a huge part in this.

“Through Skills 4 Safer Streets, we want to steer children and young people in Dorset away from knife crime and bust the common myth that carrying a knife makes you safer.

“I would like to thank our partner agencies for working alongside us in developing this event and introducing it to schools. Together, we are helping to maintain Dorset as a safe county to live in.”

A spokesperson for Twynham School said: “The day really helped students understand important issues in a way that was both age‑appropriate and thought‑provoking. The facilitators created a supportive environment where students felt respected and listened to, which greatly enhanced their engagement.

“It offered a great blend of physical activity, practical learning, and personal development.  It was a highly successful event that left students feeling inspired, more confident and better equipped with knowledge and skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.

“The workshop stands as an example of high‑quality enrichment and we would highly recommend it to other schools.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Waters said: “Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are proud to be part of the Skills 4 Safer Streets initiative. We firmly believe that supporting young people at key stages in their lives can make a difference to them and  their community. We pride ourselves on being positive role models for them, and hope we can inspire them to take positive steps towards their future selves.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to support the Skills 4 Safer Streets event. While Dorset has the second lowest number of knife offences in the country, we must continue to do all we can to prevent young people from picking up a weapon.

“I am adamant that prevention and early intervention are crucial and wholeheartedly support initiatives like this which aim to educate and provide positive role models. I know how powerful the FAKE presentations in schools are, and this is a great extension of that work.

“Keeping our young people safe and giving them the facts about knife crime is absolutely vital, and I look forward to supporting this initiative as it continues to develop further. Working together, we can ensure Dorset stays one of the safest places in the country.”

If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website www.dorset.police.uk. You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life. Retailers can visit this website for guidance on selling knives: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance.