MERSEYSIDE Police and its partners are continuing in their war on knife crime by taking part in a high-profile day of action tomorrow, Friday February 27.

The force-wide operation, which is supported by the Government's Tackling Knives Action programme (TKAP), will see a wide range of tactics and resources being used throughout the area with the aim of reducing and preventing knife related crime.

They will include warrants being executed, hand-held metal detectors and safety arches being used on the transport network and outside licensed premises, test purchase operations on retailers and demonstrations and talks at local schools and colleges.

All areas of the force will be uniting to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated.

Those caught breaking the law face a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

Superintendent Mike Cloherty said: "We are committed to tackling knife crime on Merseyside.

"Working with our partners we want to stamp out this problem and get knives off our streets.

"One strand of our joint approach is test purchasing operations such as this and we hope they send a clear message to retailers that we will take action against those who break the law.

"Tactics such as those being used tomorrow are regular feature of making the streets of Merseyside safe and transferring the fear of crime back on to the criminals themselves.

"Anyone with information about knife crime or if you know someone who is carrying a knife can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

THE WIRRAL GLOBE

MERSEYSIDE Police continued its war on knife crime by taking part in a high-profile day of action.

The force-wide operation, which was supported by the Government's Tackling Knives Action programme (TKAP), saw a wide range of tactics and resources being used throughout the area with the aim of reducing and preventing knife related crime.

These included warrants being executed, hand-held metal detectors and safety arches being used on the transport network and outside licensed premises, test purchase operations on retailers and demonstrations and talks at local schools and colleges.

All areas of the force united to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated.

Key results from the operation were: Over 14,800 pupils received knife crime educational input from officers; Over 8,200 people passed through the safety arches; Four people were arrested for offences ranging from possession of an offensive weapon (knives); 147 people were arrested for a range of offences including drug possession; Nine vehicles were seized during the operation; Twenty seven test purchase operations took place.

Superintendent Mike Cloherty said: "We are committed to tackling knife crime on Merseyside.

"Working with our partners we want to stamp out this problem and get knives off our streets.

"One strand of our joint approach is test purchasing operations such as this and we hope they send a clear message to retailers that we will take action against those who break the law.

"Tactics such as those being used tomorrow are regular feature of making the streets of Merseyside safe and transferring the fear of crime back on to the criminals themselves.

"Anyone with information about knife crime or if you know someone who is carrying a knife can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or text 88551 with information."

THE WIRRAL GLOBE

a zero tolerance approach should be taken when knives are invloved it is this that is caused the highest number of deaths in teenagers. for many teenagers it has become the norm to carry a knife for protection but my view is if you have a knife you have some inclination to use it. its a disgrace that so many young lives are taken senslessly in britain and the problem with knives is getting out of control.
i dont want to bring a child into this world were i would be scared of them going to school whichis meant to be the safest place for a child cos other school kids think its "cool" to carry a knife. it wasnt like that when i was a kid an you never heard of metal scanners to scan kids before they go into class.

Can anyone tell me what the typical punishment is for a youth, whether being of school age or just older being found in possession of a knife. I did read the up to but does anyone know the actual.

A slapped wrist and an outwardbound type holiday seems the norm

terrible

bloody hell, a pen or pencil is just as lethal

next they`l be banning those

lol, when i were lad i carried a bat or a chain around, knifes just a `look am cool` thing!

I blame this guy....
Eyyyyyyyyyyy

Bert - it depends on the charges brought against the individual. Some are classed as Summary Offences, others as Either Way Offences.

The independent Sentencing Guidelines Council’s Magistrates Court Sentencing Guidelines for possession of a bladed article (implemented on 4 August 2008) states that if the bladed weapon is not used to threaten or cause fear the recommended starting point is a high level community order.

If there are mitigating or aggravating circumstances, the guideline suggests a range of a Band C fine (125 to 175 per cent. of weekly income) to 12 weeks custody.

Where the weapon was not used to threaten or cause fear but the offence was committed in dangerous circumstances, the suggested starting point is six weeks custody, with a range of a high level community order to referral to the Crown Court.

Where the weapon was used to threaten or cause fear and the offence was committed in dangerous circumstances the guideline states that the case should be allocated to the Crown Court.

It has been specifically agreed between ACPO and the CPS that a more serious response is required for youths aged 16 and 17. The starting point is for the police to charge youths aged 16 and 17 unless there are exceptional circumstances.

A warning remains the normal response for a first offence committed by a youth aged 10 to 15 inclusive. A youth of 15 and under who admits an offence of possession of a bladed article or offensive weapon and has no previous convictions should be considered for diversion in accordance with the criteria set out in:

Section 65 and 66 Crime and Disorder Act 1998;
Home Office/Youth Justice Board Guidance on the Final Warning Scheme (November 2002);
Home Office Circular 14/2006;
ACPO Guidance on the Investigation, Cautioning and Charging of Knife Crime Offences 2008.

If you want in depth details, then try here:

in depth details about bladed weapons and charges etc

Thank you Jacci.

My pleasure Bert - Criminal is my baby. It's also good revision