Changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 mean that from today (Wednesday) it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in your own home.
Other sections of the act that will commence today include an updated definition of flick knives to reflect changes in weapon designs and the banning of private possession of flick knives and gravity knives.
The rest of the act will commence later in the year and will bring in new provisions for the control of goods sold online, as well as placing responsibility onto delivery companies to conduct age verification at the delivery stage. These are important developments that will help us to address the growing issue of the online sale of knives.
Police and partners will be working to educate the public and the business community regarding these changes in legislation. The introduction of such measures will provide us with further means to help deter young people from becoming involved in knife possession and knife crime.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on knife crime, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, said:
“The harm caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating and that is why focusing on this issue remains a top priority for policing.
“We welcome the changes to legislation being introduced by the Offensive Weapons Act. These measures will help officers to take dangerous weapons off the streets, deal with those intent on using them to cause harm and suffering, and crucially, make it more difficult for young people to get hold of knives and other dangerous items in the first place.
“Knife crime is not something that can be solved by policing alone. We are working with businesses, schools, charities and community schemes to educate young people and explain why carrying a knife is never the right choice. This early intervention plays a vitally important role in stopping young people from turning to a life of crime.”
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Hampshire Constabulary’s Lead for Knife Crime, Chief Inspector John Halfacre, said:
“Our commitment to tackling knife crime remains a priority throughout the whole year, as we continue to work to identify those involved, address the root causes of this type of crime, educate our communities, provide preventative advice and ensure those carrying and using weapons are brought to justice.
“The update in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 should considerably reduce the risk to our communities from the threat, harm and risk these weapons do and can pose, especially when used in criminality.
“I’m confident this will help to change the mind-set of those young people in our communities who may have otherwise thought about owning an offensive weapon.
“Fortunately, the vast majority of the public don’t carry knives or a weapon but if you are involved in knife crime, I urge you to reflect and make positive change for yourself, your family, and your community, because the impact of knife crime can be truly devastating.
“I would also like to encourage our communities to play their part in helping us tackle this issue. Please share our knife crime message, talk openly with family members and friends and report any concerns you have.”
noble effort, however, anyone who has knuckeldusters won’t take any notice of any of those rules – what would be the deterrent – a chat with the police, an out of court diversionary resolution or whatever gibberish the hand wringing do gooders come up with or perhaps they might have to paint the councils fences for an hour a week over ten weeks as community service.
doesn’t matter what rules are put in place, if they have no teeth they will be ignored.
won’t change anyones mindset unless their is an immediate arrest and immediate incarceration for five years without trial or early release for being found in possession of prohibited items.
At last a sensible new law, and we need much heavier sentences for weapons found on the streets, especially for illegal tazers and stun gun devices.
Stop and search should be used more frequently in the hope that the violent individuals in our communities finally get the message.
It is time to send out a strong message to violent criminals.It is NOT acceptable.
Splendid news.
Now that these items are banned nobody wil dare own them.
Just like happened with cannabis.
And what sort of penalties then? The usual smacked hand and don’t do it again?
Carrying a knife or any offensive weapong in a public place should have a mandatory spell locked up, and no excuses.
What world do these legislators live in? Oh, says the person who doesn’t really give a *hit anyway, I had better not have an illegal weapon in my house in case I get prosecuted… waste of time as it won’t make any real world difference.
A bit like telling the naughty racist he can’t go to football grounds anymore if he is rude on line…