Cameron’s pledge targets the sharp end of crime

Mobile knife scanners like those tested in Oldham will be rolled out on the streets and public transport under any Conservative Government.

Unveiling the party manifesto, leader David Cameron said it was time to fight back against crime.

The Conservatives say the mobile equipment would be used wherever there was believed to be a problem and police would ask people to walk through the scanners.

Anyone who refused would be stopped and searched. Last month, 10 people were arrested after being found with knives on a Saturday afternoon in the town centre and later on Yorkshire Street. The manifesto also said anyone convicted of a knife crime “can expect a prison sentence.”

Other measures outlined by Mr Cameron and his team would see taxpayers able to sack corrupt MPs and incompetent head teachers and police chiefs.

The public would also be able to take over local pubs or post offices threatened with closure.

No first-time buyer would pay stamp duty on homes less than £250,000 and the Conservatives would cut police paperwork to get more officers on the beat.

The party would make savings including freezing public sector pay for one year in 2011 apart from the lowest paid workers, raise the state pension age to 66, stop paying tax credits to families with incomes of more than £50,000 and scrap Child Trust Funds for all but “the poorest third of families” and those with disabled children.

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