Surrey Parents and Teens Urged to Report Knife Crime Concerns
A Father's Mission to Protect Young People Across Surrey
Martin Cosser knows the devastating impact of knife violence firsthand. His 17-year-old son Charlie was fatally stabbed at a party in West Sussex in 2023, an event that transformed grief into purpose. Now, Cosser is channelling his experience to protect other families across our region—from Guildford to Woking, Dorking to East Horsley and beyond. Since Charlie's death, he has spoken to over 100,000 young people about the dangers of carrying knives and the importance of reporting concerns. His message is clear: silence costs lives. This month, Cosser has launched a new film promoting Fearless, the anonymous reporting service run by the charity Crimestoppers. The campaign aims to reach teenagers who may be aware of knife-related dangers in their circles but feel trapped between loyalty, fear, and uncertainty about whom to trust. “Young people want to do the right thing,” Cosser emphasises. “They just need to know how.” Through his charity, Charlie's Promise, Cosser continues collaborating with Crimestoppers and local organisations to make reporting accessible and safe for vulnerable youth across Surrey.
Why Young People Aren't Speaking Up—And What Needs to Change
Teenagers across Surrey face a troubling dilemma: they worry about knife crime in their communities, yet feel unable to report their concerns through traditional channels. Many fear burdening parents with worries, fearing it will cause anxiety at home. Others avoid teachers, worried that disclosure might expose their identity or lead to unwanted attention. Trust in police remains fragile for many young people, creating a dangerous information gap that leaves potential warning signs unheard. This silence enables early intervention opportunities to slip away. The Fearless service addresses this directly by offering anonymity—young people can report concerns about knife-carrying without revealing their identity, without fear of repercussions, and without the emotional weight of telling adults they know personally. For communities like ours in Surrey, where knife-related incidents have touched families and schools, this lifeline matters profoundly. Cosser has previously advocated for knife safety education to begin as early as primary school, ensuring children understand consequences before peer pressure influences decisions. The reality is stark: there are no second chances after tragedy strikes. Every call to Fearless represents a potential life saved, a family spared from loss.
What Local Residents and Families Can Do Now
Parents, educators, and young people throughout Surrey—whether in Woking, Horsley, or neighbouring areas—should know about Fearless and how to access it. The service accepts reports about knife crime, gang activity, and youth safety concerns through its confidential platform, allowing information to reach police and safeguarding teams without exposing reporters to risk. Families can encourage teenagers to use Fearless when they're worried about peers carrying weapons, threats at school, or unsafe situations developing. Teachers and youth workers should inform students about the service, normalising anonymous reporting as a form of looking out for friends. Organisations like Charlie's Promise partner with local schools and community groups to deliver awareness sessions. If you're interested in hosting talks or workshops in your school, business, or community centre, reach out to local safeguarding teams or contact Crimestoppers directly. The broader message from Cosser is community-wide: we all have responsibility for young people's safety. Whether you're running a local business, managing community facilities, or raising children, vigilance and support matter. Watch for upcoming awareness events in your area. Share information about Fearless with young people you know. Most importantly, create spaces where teenagers feel safe discussing fears and concerns without judgment.
Source: Martin Cosser says youngsters should report knife crime worries
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