THE tragic consequences of knife crime have been laid bare by new figures which show that a large proportion of knife-related perpetrators in Cumbria are 'first-time' knife criminals.

The Ministry of Justice reported figures showing that 92 first-time knife criminals in Cumbria went through the criminal justice system in the year ending March 2023, accounting for 78 per cent of all those found guilty of knife and offensive weapon offences.

The figures also show that Cumbria Constabulary caught children aged under 18 with knives 20 times in 2022-23, an increase on 18 the year before.

In response to the figures, Workington woman Rachel Porter urged anyone who may be thinking of getting involved in knife crime to ‘think about their loved ones’.

Ms Porter's brother, Michael Jenkins, 24, from Workington, was pronounced dead in the Scottish town of Fraserburgh on Sunday, June 4 after police were called to reports of a disturbance.

A 19-year-old later appeared before Peterhead Sheriff Court accused of his murder.

Since his death, Michael’s family have organised a charity night in his memory, aiming in part to raise awareness of knife crime.

When approached by the Times & Star about the figures, Ms Porter said: “I think it’s scary that people are picking knives up that young, and they are thinking it’s okay because they aren’t getting into trouble for it.

"Maybe if there was more knowledge and understanding around the crime in the area - and more things for kids to do - it wouldn’t be as big as it is.

“You always think that it would never happen to someone you know and love, and when it does your whole world comes crashing down.

"It makes you feel unsafe, scared, and angry at the justice system.

“I have to live knowing my brother shouted for help on a doorstep and no one could do anything to help. That’s what happens when you pick up knives, you lose loved ones, and they don’t get to come back.”

When asked what she would say to people who may be thinking about picking up a knife, Rachel said: “I would say to think about your family, and your friends and think how it would if they died and you couldn’t tell them you loved them ever again.

"Because that’s the reality of knife crime, as soon as you enter that lifestyle you are putting yourself in danger and other people, especially carrying a weapon.”

In response to the figures, a Cumbria Police spokesperson said: “The consequences of carrying a knife can be enormously.

“Carrying a knife can quickly lead to yourself or someone else being seriously injured or killed.

“Cumbria one of the safest places in the country to live, visit and work.

“There is no excuse for anyone to seek to protect themselves by carrying a knife or any other weapon in Cumbria.

“However, whilst higher levels of knife crime are typically associated with urban areas, there is no place for complacency.

“Cumbria Constabulary takes knife crime extremely seriously which is why the constabulary regularly takes part in Operation Sceptre knife amnesties and visits schools to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of being in possession of a knife.”