Crackdown on knife crime in Warrington

POLICE at Warrington are cracking down on knife crime as part of their  “StreetSafe” initiative.
Officers will be out targeting individuals wanted for violence and carrying weapons as part of the county-wide campaign. They will also be targeting those people who believe carrying knives is acceptable.
Action will be taken against anyone found in possession of a knife and any information gathered from the public will be assessed and acted upon.
Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: “The damage caused by knives, not just to the victim and their families but also to the wider community, can be devastating. Carrying a knife is a crime which brings that added risk that a minor issue can escalate into something much more serious.
“The laws are quite simple. It is illegal to carry a knife in a public place without good reason. If you break that law you could face up to four years in prison and an unlimited fine.
“It is also illegal to sell knives, including kitchen knives and even cutlery, to anyone under the age of 18. That is why I’m keen to remind retailers who sell knives to enforce the Challenge 25 policy, as breaking this law can result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison.
The Constabulary’s StreetSafe initiative tackles issues linked to public space violence, anti-social behaviour and the night-time economy.
The activity coincides with a national knife crime operation, which starts today, aimed at educating people about the laws surrounding buying and carrying knives.
“At a local level, officers will not just be enforcing the law but also educating the public about the possible dangers involved in carrying knives, and the consequences of this.”
Superintendent Crowcroft added: “This is not just a week-long operation but part of what we do every day. We take all crimes involving knives – or any type of weapon – extremely seriously. we are doing all we can to tackle the issue.”