Beyond the Screen: How Online Safety is Helping Fight Knife Crime

Last week, as the UK observed Knife Crime Awareness Week, a crucial link was highlighted between the online world and the devastating reality of knife crime on our streets. It might not be immediately obvious, but what young people encounter online can have a very real and dangerous impact.

We've been following the developments in online safety closely, and it's clear that the new Online Safety Act has a significant role to play in tackling this serious issue.

The Digital Roots of a Real-World Problem

Research paints a worrying picture: exposure to violent content online can normalise knife carrying, especially among young people who are already at risk. Think about it – if you're constantly seeing aggressive content, glamorised violence, or discussions that trivialise the dangers of knives, it can subtly shift perceptions and make something incredibly dangerous seem, well, normal.

This isn't about blaming the internet entirely, but it's about recognising that the online environment is a powerful influence, particularly on impressionable minds. Gang-related content, videos glorifying knife violence, or even seemingly innocent posts that feature weapons can all contribute to a dangerous mindset.

The Online Safety Act: A New Weapon Against Knife Crime

This is where the Online Safety Act steps in with vital powers. Under this new legislation, online platforms now have a clear and pressing responsibility: they must protect people in the UK from content related to the sale of illegal knives and weapons.

This is a game-changer. It means social media companies, video platforms, and other online services can no longer turn a blind eye to illegal content that facilitates or encourages knife crime. They are now legally obligated to remove such material and implement measures to prevent it from appearing in the first place.

A Crucial Step in a Wider Fight

Regulating online services in this way is a vital step in preventing harmful content from reaching children, reducing the risk of real-world violence, and ultimately supporting the much wider, ongoing efforts to tackle knife crime across society.

It's not a silver bullet, but it's a powerful addition to the arsenal. By making it harder for young people to be exposed to content that normalises knife carrying or promotes the sale of illegal weapons, we can help to break a dangerous cycle.

Our Collective Responsibility

While the Online Safety Act puts the onus on platforms, we all have a role to play. Parents, educators, and community leaders must continue to have open conversations with young people about the dangers of knives and the manipulative nature of some online content. Reporting harmful material whenever you see it is also crucial.

The fight against knife crime is complex, but by addressing its online dimensions, we can create a safer environment for our young people and ultimately, safer communities for everyone in the UK.

Source: Ofcom (20 May 2025)

Stay Safe and Informed with FREE Webinars from SAFE by CST!

Protecting yourself and your community is easier than ever. SAFE by CST offers a diverse range of FREE webinars covering essential topics on safety and security.

Here's a quick look at our upcoming events:

Safeguarding:

• Feb 7th: Countering Radicalisation & Changing Mindsets
• Mar 7th: Conflict Management
• Apr 3rd: Safeguarding Awareness (NEW!)

School Security:

• Feb 20th: Basic Security with London MOPAC
• Apr 11th: School Security (NEW!)

Online Safety:

• Feb 26th: Online Safety for Beginners (NEW!)

Other Important Topics:

• Feb 15th: Women's Safety
• Feb 22nd: Exploring the Far Right
• Mar 13th: Incels: Villains or Victims?
• Mar 21st: Hostile Reconnaissance
• Apr 18th: Past Terror Attacks - Lessons Learned (Updated!)

Don't miss out! Register for all our webinars here: [link to SAFE by CST Zoom Hub].

Share this information! Help keep your community safe by spreading the word about these valuable resources.

Want to host your own event? Contact SAFE by CST today! (via email)

Stay informed, stay safe, and join us for these essential webinars!

Stay Safe from Hidden Cameras

Spy cameras are becoming increasingly small and sophisticated, making them more difficult to detect. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of spotting them.

• Look for unusual objects. Spy cameras are often hidden in unusual objects, such as smoke detectors, clocks, pens, and air fresheners. If you see an object that you don't recognise, or that seems out of place, take a closer look.
• Check for small holes or lenses. Spy cameras often have small holes or lenses that can be difficult to see. If you see a small hole or lens in an object, it's possible that it's a hidden camera.
• Use a flashlight. Turning off the lights and using a flashlight can help you to see the infrared light that many spy cameras emit. If you see a red or purple glow coming from an object, it's possible that it's a hidden camera.
• Scan the room with your phone. There are a number of apps available that can help you to detect hidden cameras. These apps use your phone's camera to scan the room for infrared light.

If you find a hidden camera, it's important to take steps to disable it. You can unplug the camera, remove the battery, or cover the lens with tape. You should also report the camera to the authorities.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe from hidden cameras:

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a hotel room, motel room, or other private space, be aware of the possibility that there may be hidden cameras.
• Keep your belongings close to you. If you are carrying a bag or purse, keep it close to your body and don't let it out of your sight.
• Be suspicious of any unknown objects. If you find a small, unusual object in a place where it doesn't belong, be suspicious. Don't hesitate to investigate further.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from the potential dangers of hidden cameras.

How to Protect Yourself from AirTag Stalking

AirTags are small, coin-sized tracking devices that can be attached to belongings to help users track them down if they are lost. However, AirTags have also been used for nefarious purposes, such as stalking and theft.

If you are concerned that you may be being tracked by an AirTag, there are a few things you can do to check:

• Check your iPhone for notifications. If you have an iPhone, you will receive a notification if an AirTag that is not registered to you is detected moving with you.
• Use the Find My app. You can also use the Find My app to scan for unknown AirTags. If an AirTag is found, the app will display the AirTag's serial number and the last time it was seen.
• Look for a small, white dot. AirTags have a small, white dot on the back. If you see a small, white dot on something you own, it is possible that an AirTag is attached to it.

If you find an AirTag that you believe is being used to track you, you can take the following steps:

• Disable the AirTag. You can disable an AirTag by removing the battery.
• Report the AirTag to Apple. You can report an AirTag to Apple by following the instructions here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227
• Report the AirTag to law enforcement. If you believe that you are being stalked or harassed, you should report the incident to law enforcement.

It is important to be aware of the potential for AirTags to be used for nefarious purposes. By taking the steps outlined above, you can help to protect yourself from being tracked by an AirTag.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe from AirTag stalking:

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a public place, be aware of people who may be following you or trying to get close to you.
• Keep your belongings close to you. If you are carrying a bag or purse, keep it close to your body and don't let it out of your sight.
• Be suspicious of any unknown objects. If you find a small, white dot on something you own, or if you receive a notification from your iPhone about an unknown AirTag, be suspicious. Don't hesitate to report the AirTag to Apple or law enforcement.

British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses to three separate incidents in Eltham

Do you recognise this man on a Train?

@MPSElthamSouth https://tinyurl.com/28efb3wv

1. Sexual assault on a train

Officers are investigating a sexual assault on-board a train between Dartford and New Eltham.

At just after 2pm on Tuesday 4 April, as the service approached New Eltham station, a man travelling with a group urinated in the train’s carriage. He then threw a seat cushion at another passenger.

A woman boarded the same service at New Eltham station and the man approached her before making an inappropriate comment and sexually assaulting her.

The man then got off the train at New Eltham before it departed and left the station.

2. Male exposing himself in Oxleas Wood

Eltham Police have received reports of a male exposing himself in Oxleas Wood SE18 on 16th April 23. Police searched Oxleas Woods on 20th April. And have issued advice to people to please be aware of your surroundings and your personal safety whilst in Oxleas Woods.

3. Sexual assault in Ruskin Drive

Police are investigating a sexual assault on a female in Ruskin Drive. Area is cordoned off from 1.50am Friday 21st April

If you have any information about any of these incidents, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 326 of 4 April. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you see anything suspicious, please call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2023/01/preventing-and-reporting-crime-on.html

Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Sources: [GDPR]

• https://nextdoor.co.uk/p/sN_dXBKHCrW2?view=detail&is=notification_center
• https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/23465515.new-eltham-man-sexually-assaulted-woman-train/
• https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/23471212.ruskin-drive-welling-police-cordon-recap/

SE Violence Suppression Unit Newsletter for January 2023

Greenwich, Lewisham & Bexley SE Violence Suppression Unit Newsletter for January 2023

The efforts of the Violence Suppression Unit is to promote safety and prevent violence within communities. The Unit is focusing on building trust and confidence in the police among female users of night time economies and open spaces, to reduce the incidence of robbery and violent crime. They are using various tactics to deter such crimes and target those who commit them. The Unit is also collaborating with partners to achieve their goals. The message concludes by highlighting the importance of informing the public about the Unit's activities and inviting their involvement in the effort to suppress violence.

Source: SE Violence Suppression Unit Newsletter for January 2023 (pdf)

Invitation to security events from SAFE by CST

A series of free one-hour security webinars delivered by CST. These topics can also be delivered in-person.

• Thursday 16^th – Friday 17^th February
  Live “Security Awareness Seminar” at Buckfast Abbey, Devon
  Click here to register: Security Awareness Seminar | Tickets | Online Shop | Buckfast

• 23^rd February at 7pm, Online security (How to protect yourself and your community from online threats):
  Registration: https://tinyurl.com/3b4nvkr9
  
  
• 2^nd March at 7pm, Organising security - with update on Martyn's Law (The likely implications of Martyn's Law, how to develop a security plan and crisis management):
  Registration: https://tinyurl.com/24tpyddt
• 18^th March at 2pm, Basic security (An introduction to security for places of worship and faith communities:
  Registration: https://tinyurl.com/3n2emf24
• 21^st March at 7pm, Exploring the Far Right (An exploration of the current state of the far right in the UK):
  Registration: https://tinyurl.com/2r68j9ww
• 4^th April at 2pm, Hostile reconnaissance (Being able to identify behaviour which is unusual or out of the ordinary (suspicious) may save lives):
  Registration: https://tinyurl.com/56eurjnm

Some useful links and documents can be found by scanning our new Linktree:

Also, by following this link: https://linktr.ee/SAFE_CST.

In the meantime, if we can be of any help, please contact us on enquiries@safe.cst.org.uk.

Also – check out our website for more information, and registration details as new webinars are released, at safe.cst.org.uk and please follow us on:

LinkedIn: safe-by-cst
Twitter: @SAFE_CST

https://cst.org.uk/about-cst/safe-security-advice-for-everyone

Preventing and Reporting Crime on the railway

https://imabi.com/products

Working with British Transport Police, the UK’s first police crime reporting app, covering the national rail network.

Focusing on a campaign to tackle violence against woman and girls and to encourage behavioural and societal change, it allows the travelling public to travel more safely.

Make rail travel in England, Scotland and Wales safer for everyone, with guides and incident reporting. British Transport Police’s official app.

Want to make journeys safer, with access to trusted information? Want guidance on what to do if you witness an incident?

An all-in-one-place set of features designed to keep travellers safer, more informed, and empowered on a range of safety and wellbeing topics 24/7. Developed to make rail travel safer, and help British Transport Police and their partners better understand and respond to concerns.

GET THE FREE RAILWAY GUARDIAN APP FROM:

Click image to download

Click image to download

See it. Say it. Sorted.

We’re asking rail passengers and people who use railway stations to help keep themselves and others safe by reporting unusual items or activity on the railway

We’ve all got a role to play in keeping the rail network safe, and we rely on you to be our eyes and ears.

Please remain vigilant for anything that seems out of place or unusual on trains or at stations. This could include:

• Someone being somewhere they shouldn’t be, for example trying to get through a door marked ‘no entry’
• An unattended bag
• Someone checking security arrangements, for example filming CCTV cameras at a station
• Someone avoiding rail staff and police officers
• Someone who could be concealing something under their clothing.

If you see something that doesn’t feel right, we want to hear from you. Let us decide if what you have seen or what you know is important.

You should tell a member of rail staff or a police officer what you have seen. You can also call us on 0800 40 50 40, or text us on 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.

https://www.btp.police.uk/police-forces/british-transport-police/areas/campaigns/see-it-say-it-sorted/

https://www.btp.police.uk/police-forces/british-transport-police/areas/campaigns/Download-Railway-Guardian/

SAFE: Security Advice For Everyone - NEW ‘In-person’ events in 2023!

https://cst.org.uk/about-cst/safe-security-advice-for-everyone

• Thursday 12^th January, 9am to 12pm
  Live “Introduction to Community Security”, part of Haringey & Edmonton Police's 'Faith Breakfast'.
  Please email us for venue details
  
  
• Sunday 15^th January at 2pm
  Live “Women’s Safety Talk” at Hitchin Town Hall
  Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safe-free-womens-safety-talk-registration-373233791317?aff=SAFE
  
  
• Thursday 16^th – Friday 17^th February
  Live “Security Awareness Seminar” at Buckfast Abbey, Devon
  Click here to register: Security Awareness Seminar | Tickets | Online Shop | Buckfast

 

SAFE Webinar Programme 

A series of free one-hour security webinars delivered by CST. These topics can also be delivered in-person – if you would like to host a SAFE talk, please get in touch.

Some useful links and documents can be found by scanning our Linktree:

   Also, by following this link: https://linktr.ee/SAFE_CST.

In the meantime, if we can be of any help, please contact us on enquiries@safe.cst.org.uk.

Also – check out our website for more information, and registration details as new webinars are released, at safe.cst.org.uk and please follow us on:

LinkedIn: safe-by-cst
Twitter: @SAFE_CST