The Eye Of Media

By Eric King-

The UK Home Office announced on Thursday that people suspected of carrying a blade could face orders to keep them off the streets, geographical limits and social media sanctions in a bid to prevent disputes among rival gangs.

Any breach of the measures will be a criminal offense and could see the child face up to two years in jail, the Home Office added.This new measures aimed as a deterrent can be imposed on any person aged 12 or over to prevent vulnerable young people from becoming involved in knife possession and knife crime,” it said , commenting on the new police powers, known as knife crime prevention orders.

The civil orders can be imposed on anyone suspected by the police of carrying a knife, “habitual knife carriers,” or someone with a previous knife-related conviction. It aims to prevent vulnerable young people from becoming involved in knife possession and knife crime.

“The police already have a range of measures they are using to keep our streets safe, but there is more we can do to help them in this battle. I … will be introducing these new orders to stop gang members carrying knives in the first place,” Home Secretary Sajid Javid said in a statement.

The measures come as the issue of knife crime soars mostly among young men and boys in parts of the UK.The Home Secretary will also be taking further action against retailers found to be selling knives to children. A new £500,000 prosecution fund will help Trading Standards teams to secure the prosecution of retailers who repeatedly sell knives to under 18s. As part of these further measures to intervene early, the Home Office is set to launch the next phase of #Knifefree in the spring. The campaign, aimed at young people, looks to inspire them to pursue positive alternatives.

This announcement comes just months after the Home Secretary launched a new range of innovative measures to address violent crime in the UK including, a consultation on a new legal duty to underpin a ‘public health’ approach to tackling serious violence, a new £200 million youth endowment fund and an independent review of drug misuse.

This wide ranging plans aim to continue the work of the ambitious Serious Violence Strategy which, backed by £40 million of funding, puts greater focus on steering young people away from a life of crime. Home Secretary Sajid Javid said;

I have been clear that I will do everything in my power to tackle the senseless violence that is traumatising communities and claiming too many young lives.

The police already have a range of measures they are using to keep our streets safe, but there is more we can do to help them in this battle. I have listened to their calls and will be introducing these new orders to stop gang members carrying knives in the first place.

It is vital we continue to focus on improving the law enforcement response while at the same time steering young people away from criminal activity in the first place.

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