Action plan targets knife crime
gangstalking | February 13, 2008
Action plan targets knife crime
18 February 2008
Police are to get airport-style metal detectors in a crackdown on knife crime in England and Wales being launched by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
The Tackling Violence Action Plan also aims to identify and “manage” those likely to become violent criminals.
Medical staff will be expected to share data on victims of attacks to build up a “picture of violence” in an area.
But the Conservatives criticised the move as an exercise in “papering over the cracks”.
It comes amid concern about alcohol fuelled trouble, as well as an increase in the use of knives, linked to 258 deaths in 2006-7 up from 219 in 2005-6.
Plans include new measures to fight guns, gangs, binge drinking and rape. Those found carrying a knife are likely to be prosecuted and tougher sentences imposed for knife crime.
Police, probation and local authorities will be expected to identify and share information about people who are at risk of committing violent crimes – or likely to become a victim.
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