Only one in five in Wales confident young people would tell police about knife carrying

News •
September 4, 2026 at 5:00 am

Only one in five people in Wales are confident young people would tell police if they knew someone was carrying a knife, according to new research.

The UK-wide YouGov survey, commissioned by Crimestoppers, found more than four in ten (41%) people in Wales cited fear of retaliation as a reason they might not report information about crime to the police.

While the YouGov research found confidence in young people sharing information about knife crime with police is low across Wales, the research suggests anonymity could make a significant difference. Almost half (48%) of people in Wales said they were confident young people would share information with an anonymous service.

Across the UK just 31% of 16- to 25-year-olds said they would be very likely to report information about knife crime directly to the police, compared with 45% of those aged 26 and over.

Crimestoppers said the findings challenge the perception that young people are unwilling to help tackle knife crime and suggest fear, mistrust and uncertainty are preventing many from speaking up.

41% of 16- to 25-year-olds said fear of retaliation was a barrier that could stop them sharing information about knife crime with the police, while 28% said a lack of trust in the police could stop them.

The regional findings come as Crimestoppers launches a new campaign through its youth service, Fearless.org.

The campaign features the story of Charlie Cosser, who was murdered in 2023 after being stabbed while trying to protect a friend. Charlie’s father, Martin Cosser, is now working with Fearless to encourage young people to understand that anonymously sharing information about knife crime could help prevent future tragedies and save lives.

Martin Cosser, Charlie’s father and co-founder of Charlie’s Promise, said: “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.”

Fearless is Crimestoppers’ youth service, providing information about crime, personal safety and the law, as well as an anonymous way to pass on information about crime.

Anyone with information about knife crime or other serious criminal activity can contact Fearless anonymously by visiting Fearless.org.

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