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CRACKDOWN: Knife Crime Prevention Orders aims to tackle knife crime

AS PART of decisive action to tackle youth violence, the Government will seek to amend the Offensive Weapons Bill to introduce Knife Crime Prevention Orders.

This new deterrent can be imposed on any person aged 12 or over to prevent vulnerable young people from becoming involved in knife possession and knife crime.

It can be imposed on anyone who police believe is carrying a knife, are habitual knife carriers or people previously convicted of a knife related offence.

On introducing the measures, the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid said: “I have been clear that I will do everything in my power to tackle the senseless violence that is traumatising communities and claiming too many young lives.

“The police already have a range of measures they are using to keep our streets safe, but there is more we can do to help them in this battle. I have listened to their calls and will be introducing these new orders to stop gang members carrying knives in the first place.

He added that “it is vital we continue to focus on improving the law enforcement response” and highlighted the importance of steering young people away from criminal activity in the first place.

The new civil orders will also restrict behaviour by placing curfews and geographical restrictions on individuals as well as limiting their social media use – preventing the rapid escalation of rival disputes.

To ensure compliance with these restrictions, breach of the order will be a criminal offence and the holder can be sent to prison for two years if convicted.

The Home Secretary will also be taking further action against retailers found to be selling knives to children. A new £500,000 prosecution fund will help Trading Standards teams to secure the prosecution of retailers who repeatedly sell knives to under 18s.

CRITICISM

In what has been described as “ASBO-style powers” campaigners have criticised the prevention orders, and say the Government should stop “meddling” so police can get on with the job of enforcing the current laws.

Speaking to The Sun, Police Federation chairman John Apter said: “The Government is tinkering around the edges. While I cannot fault Mr Javid’s intentions, I don’t hold out much hope these measures will have the dramatic impact... he’s hoping they will.”

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