PCC welcomes UK Government’s commitment to tackling knife crime

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to halving knife crime in the next decade.

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, made the pledge at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool and promised that the government would bring in new laws to crack down on the online sales of knives to children. 

She also committed to tackling the criminal gangs that exploit children and young people, and to invest more money in youth hubs to steer them away from crime and violence.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “I welcome the strong commitment from the UK Government to tackle knife crime in our communities.

“Although instances of knife crime in Gwent remain low, I am deeply committed to addressing this issue. I was proud to work with Gwent Police to bring the Knife Angel to our communities and to fund the charity Fearless which visits schools and youth groups to deliver workshops on the dangers of carrying knives.

“This is a societal problem that needs more than just a criminal justice approach, and I was particularly pleased to see a commitment to funding more youth initiatives that will help to steer children and young people away from the path of crime and antisocial behaviour. This is something we take very seriously here in Gwent, with a community fund set up to deliver diversionary and support services for children and young people across the region.

“We must do all we can to discourage children and young people from carrying knives, and these promises from the UK Government are a reassuring step in the right direction.”