Police and Crime Commissioner backs stricter rules for online sale of knives
Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has backed the UK Government’s new measures to crack down on the online sale of knives and weapons to children and young people.
Retailers will be required to adopt stronger identity checks for buyers, with prison sentences for selling to under 18s increasing from six months to two years. They will also be required to report any suspicious sales to the police.
A new offence of “possessing with violent intent” will be introduced, and a dedicated policing unit will be created to monitor weapons being sold illegally on social media.
The measures are collectively known as Ronan’s Law in memory of Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed in 2022. His killer, who was 16 at the time, purchased the weapon online using his mother’s ID to pass security checks.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “For too long these loopholes have allowed children and young people to purchase knives and weapons with relative ease. These new measures will ensure that legitimate retailers tighten up their security and identity checks, while cracking down on illegal sales on social media.
“We must do all we can to discourage children and young people from carrying knives and weapons of any kind and this is another step in the right direction. It is also important that we educate them about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives. I am proud to fund the charity Fearless which visits schools across Gwent and speaks to children and young people about the dangers and what it could mean for themselves, their friends and their families.
“If you know someone is carrying a knife, please report it. A simple phone call or message could save a life.”
Information can be reported to Gwent Police by calling 101, or sending a direct message on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also report 100 per cent anonymously to Crimestoppers / Fearless on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org
In an emergency, always call 999.