Knife scheme fails to curb killings

Jul 22 2009

A programme to tackle teenage knife crime has not seen a reduction in the number of killings.

The Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP), launched in 10 police areas in July last year, saw a 17% reduction in knife-related violence against under-20s.

But the number of under-20s killed by a knife or sharp object did not change as there were 23 deaths during the time the scheme was running between July 2008 and March 2009, the same as during the equivalent period the previous year.

And a total of 103 people aged 20 or over were killed by a knife or sharp object during the scheme, compared to 96 in the same period before the programme was introduced.

Senior officers said changing attitudes towards knife crime was like "turning the proverbial oil tanker" and could take generations.

The programme was launched after a series of high-profile teenage stabbings hit the headlines.

The Home Office-led initiative will now be extended into a second phase, with £5 million available to the 10 original forces and six others. The programme will now focus on all forms of serious violence among 13 to 24-year-olds. It was originally introduced to try to stop the carrying of knives and reduce the number of stabbings and murders among 13 to 19-year-olds.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: "We are determined to do everything in our power to tackle the menace of knife crime and ensure people feel safe walking around our towns and cities. We have introduced tougher penalties and have made it clear that anyone aged 16 or over should be prosecuted at their first offence.

"This tough stance is already having a positive impact - latest figures show that more people are going to jail, and for longer, when caught carrying a knife."

But shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said: "These statistics are really depressing. It's really important that programmes to tackle knife crime make a real difference - and the fact that the Government's flagship programme is not working is very bad news indeed."