Recent research has highlighted a concerning trend in Birmingham and the West Midlands: crucial information about knife crime is often not reported. Encouragingly, young people in the region are now being urged to report individuals carrying knives through anonymous channels, rather than directly to the police.
The study, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the charity Crimestoppers, reveals that only one in five people in the West Midlands feel confident about reporting knife carriers to the police. However, nearly half (46%) believe that young people would be more willing to share such information with an anonymous service.
Despite this, awareness remains low regarding the Crimestoppers youth service Fearless, which allows individuals to provide information completely anonymously and independently of the police. Fearless.org ensures that no personal identifying details are requested, safeguarding the identities of those who come forward.
READ MORE: Popular sun cream banned in UK over safety concerns
READ MORE: Man assaulted at Wall Heath pub prompts police inquiry
This approach is critical, as fear of retaliation continues to deter many from reporting knife crime. Approximately 46% of people in the West Midlands cite fear of backlash as a major reason they would hesitate to report criminal activity to police. Nationally, only 31% of 16 to 25-year-olds feel very likely to report knife crime directly to law enforcement, compared with 45% of adults.
These findings counter the belief that young people are unwilling to help tackle knife crime; rather, fear, mistrust, and uncertainty are significant barriers. Among 16 to 25-year-olds, 41% mention fear of retaliation and 28% express a lack of trust in the police as reasons they might withhold information.
Additionally, just 37% of West Midlands residents know that Crimestoppers’ reporting service is fully anonymous, and 36% are aware it operates independently from the police.
The campaign features the poignant story of Charlie Cosser, a 17-year-old who was fatally stabbed in July 2023 in Warnham, West Sussex, while protecting a friend at a party. His father, Martin Cosser, now works with Fearless to encourage young people to understand that sharing information anonymously could prevent similar tragedies.
Martin Cosser, co-founder of the Charlie’s Promise charity, states: “No family should have to experience the heartbreak ours has endured. We know fear can stop people speaking up, but one piece of information can make all the difference. I hope this campaign helps young people understand they can share what they know anonymously and potentially save someone’s life.”
Anyone with information about knife crime or other serious offences is urged to report it anonymously by visiting Fearless.org.