DROITWICH Boxing Club is set to kick off its ‘Drop the Knives, Pick up the Gloves’ campaign following a significant increase in knife crime across the country.
Members will actively encourage anyone who may be taking part in anti-social behaviour, to focus their energy on boxing instead.
Head boxing coach Jayson Doyle said: “The knife crime epidemic sweeping the nation is very alarming.
“Droitwich Boxing Club along with other clubs across the country are reaching out to youngsters to try and stop these sort of attacks.
“Most clubs have set up their own versions of this campaign and we felt it was our duty to do the same.”
Figures show the number of fatal stabbings in England and Wales last year was the highest since records began, in 1946.
There were 39,818 knife crime offences between September 2017 and 2018 – with 285 of those fatal killings.
Jayson added: “Boxing is a great sport and it helps people control their aggression in a disciplined environment.
“Not only that but it’s also a great way to keep fit, make friends and build positive team-spirit.”
PCSO Steven Tinkler, who visited the club last week said: “Droitwich is a very safe place to live, and thankfully knife violence is extremely rare.
“That being said, any campaign which gets youngsters off the streets and learning about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife can only be constructive and a good thing.”
Droitwich Boxing Club, based near the sports centre in Briar Mill, has served the community for more than 40 years.
It was set up by Chris Andrews in 1977.
The club is currently going through a re-branding period and has received help from the wider community.
This includes local business ‘Droitwich Sign and Print’ which designed the club’s new logo.
Local businessman Paul Matthews of Steak Festival Creative Digital Agency, also helped by setting up the club’s new website.
Paul said: “Droitwich Boxing Club has done so much for the town over the years, so it felt only right to give something back.
“It’s been our absolute pleasure.”
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