New Crime Bill: Stricter Measures Introduced to Combat Knife Crime

New laws are coming to reduce knife crime. They aim to keep communities safe. These laws are part of a new Crime and Policing Bill. Selling weapons to those under 18 gets tougher, and the maximum prison time increases to two years, up from the current six months.

Stores must check IDs better when selling knives, both in person and with deliveries. They need to follow age rules more closely too. A new crime, “possession with violent intent,” could land you four years in jail, even if the weapon is legal.

The government will look at online knife sales, aiming for stricter rules and monitoring. Philip Wilkinson supports these changes, arguing that these weapons have no good use. He wants officers to handle knife crime well.

Wiltshire has low knife crime rates, but Wilkinson knows the risks are still present. His office teaches young people about these dangers and supports ways to avoid violence. Since late 2023, they funded “Blunt Truth” workshops.

These workshops teach Year 9 students about knife risks, led by police and NHS staff. Kids learn what to do if they see someone with a knife. Wilkinson says most kids aren’t involved directly, but they need the knowledge to make good choices.

Hearing doctors describe young victims of stabbings helps show why prevention is crucial. Wiltshire is a safe place, and knife crime fell by 19% in the past year. There were 254 cases as of September 2024, and knife crime dropped 8% this past March, which is 26 fewer incidents than before.