Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police is helping to steer young people away from carrying knives with a unique initiative for schools.

Support from partner agencies and educational facilities in the county has allowed for the Force to continue delivering its Skills 4 Safer Streets project.

Skills 4 Safer Streets was first launched in November 2025 and combines the teaching of skills such as Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiujitsu with educational sessions on knife crime.

The most recent event was held for year 8, 9 and 10 students at St Aldhelm’s Academy in Poole and was supported by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, BCP Council, The British Army, Poole ABC boxing and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

During the day, the teenagers 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. At the end of the day, they were handed certificates and Skills 4 Safer Streets T-shirts designed by the Force.

The aim of the project is to provide positive role models for students, encourage them to take part in new physical activities, and ultimately prevent them from engaging in criminality.

Detective Superintendent Andy Bell, Dorset Police’s knife crime lead, said: “Knife crime in Dorset is low, but it remains a Force priority to tackle these offences.

“We know preventative work plays a huge role in this, and the Skills 4 Safer Streets initiative is allowing us to provide vital education to young people in schools, using physical activity and practical learning to educate them on knife crime and its dangers.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Early intervention is key when it comes to keeping young people and our communities safe.

“That’s why sessions like the Skills 4 Safer Streets project are a vital part of the positive work my Office and Dorset Police are carrying out across the county to ensure young people know the reality around knife crime.

“Through these interactions with positive role models, alongside the powerful education and robust enforcement from Dorset Police, I remain utterly committed to doing all I can to ensure knife crime remains low in Dorset for many years to come.”

Robert Barber, Assistant Vice Principle at St Aldhelm’s Academy, said: “The Skills 4 Safer Streets event is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn from positive role models beyond social media. The instructors provided valuable life skills while inspiring young people to make positive choices and believe in their future.

“Events like this empower students to make informed decisions, build confidence, and strengthen our communities. The more young people who can take part, the greater the positive impact we will see in creating a safer community.”

Brett White, Chairman at Poole ABC, said: "Poole Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) were proud to be chosen as the legacy club for this project. We are a community boxing club and welcome all opportunities to help our local and wider community.

"The young people who attended the sessions at St Aldhelm's would have greatly benefited from all aspects of the brilliantly run sessions. Thanks again to all those involved."

Captain John Woodman, of The British Army, said: “The Army is primarily filled with people that lacked the right kind of direction and guidance, weren’t seen as academically brilliant at school and really had no idea what was out there for them.

“For us, it’s about showing young people that need a nudge in the right direction what they could be with their energy redirected and focussed into combat sports and what the Army has to offer, the possibilities are genuinely limited only by your imagination.

“To be able to speak to this cohort, along with the other emergency service representatives, that are still in a space where they can be advised against all the things that can lead them to a place of perpetual poor decisions, was immensely rewarding.”

If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website. You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life.