Police hit back over knife-crime report

Reporter: Lobby Correspondent
Date online: 03 June 2009

GREATER Manchester Police remain committed to getting knives off the streets after a report by MPs said young people felt police could not protect them.

Youngsters living in fear of attack are arming themselves because they have a lack of faith in police and parents to keep them safe, the Home Affairs Select Committee report found yesterday.

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Ian Seabridge said: “Knife-crime has a devastating effect on people’s lives.

“Although it actually only accounts for a small percentage of crime in Greater Manchester, I appreciate and understand that this does not reflect the perception within communities.

“We are committed to reducing the number of knives and offensive weapons on our streets and GMP will take tough action against anyone found to be carrying a knife in a public place.

“Selling knives to under-18s can carry a custodial sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to £5,000 and we continue to work with Trading Standards to warn traders of the penalties.

“Education is also important and we are also working with local authorities and other groups to develop longer-term initiatives to help educate young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.”

The report said a £10m Government scheme had failed to tackle a knife-crime arms race.

The Tacking Knives Action Programme (TKAP), launched last year, has not had a significant effect on reducing recorded crime, it added.

Greater Manchester is one of 12 knife-crime hotspots being targeted by the Government.