22.05.23 – Ditch the Blade, Local officer Natalie Jackson praised

Shops and traders in Staffordshire who sell knives are being reminded of their responsibilities as part of a national campaign to reduce knife crime.

The Ditch the Blade campaign which is now moving into its second week through to 28 May is being co-ordinated by Staffordshire Police.

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service is playing its role by supporting local shops and retailers to make sure they are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to selling knives.

Trading Standards officers regularly carry out test purchases across the county to ensure knives and other age-restricted products are not being sold to anyone under the age of 18.”

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said:  “Knife crime is a concern for everyone, however, thankfully Staffordshire remains a place where incidents are rare.

Chief Inspector Rob Hessell, who leads on Knife Crime for the force said: “It’s really important that we all work together as a partnership to tackle knife crime, as it’s not something that can be solved by one organisation alone.

“Trading Standards are a key partner in our work to reduce the number of knives on the streets through the campaign, and their work to check retailer compliance on knife sales, ensuring young people are challenged at the point of attempted purchase, is vital to making our communities a safer place to be.”

People can find out more about the campaign at Ditch the Blade website. People can report illegal knife sales on our Trading Standards confidential number 01785 330356.

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A local officer has been praised for her life-saving actions following a response to a vulnerable woman in Stoke-on-Trent.
Natalie Jackson, who has been a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in the Stoke South local policing team (LPT) since April this year, has been commended by colleagues for her role in helping a vulnerable woman receive hospital treatment.
She attended an address in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 15 April and came across the woman inside, who was unconscious but breathing.  When she regained consciousness, she originally refused hospital treatment.
However, having been reassured by Natalie for some time, the woman agreed to be seen by paramedics. She was treated at the scene and later made a full recovery in hospital.
Reflecting on her actions, PCSO Jackson said: “I am so pleased the woman has made a full recovery and I was there to help her. I joined this role to be able to make a difference in the community, every day is different. You never know what to expect.
“I feel very privileged to be in this role, I enjoy meeting new people and helping my local community where I can to make a positive difference.”
PCSO Stephen Sherratt, also from Stoke South LPT, said: “Natalie’s compassion, empathy and professionalism really shone through in this incident which has resulted in a positive outcome.
“She is a real credit to our force and an asset to the LPT.”
If you’re having a difficult time or if you’re worried about someone, contact the Samaritans for free by calling 116 123.
To report a crime, call 101 or message us using Live Chat on our website – www.staffordshire.police.uk
In an emergency, always ring 999.

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