Knife crime has a devastating impact on victims, their families and communities. The recent rise in such crimes committed by young people is of enormous concern.
Key messages
- Young people who have suffered adverse childhood experiences or exhibit other vulnerabilities are more likely to be involved in the youth justice system. We should provide them with the support that they need to overcome disadvantage or trauma in order to live positive lives away from crime.
- Should Knife Crime Protection Orders (KCPOs) be introduced, it is essential to ensure the new orders effectively tackle knife crime. These orders should not contribute to the unnecessary criminalisation of young people.
- It is important that any new costs to local government associated with Knife Crime Protection Orders (KCPOs) are fully funded. Without additional resources, the new responsibilities placed on youth offending teams (YOTs) to monitor compliance with KCPOs will risk the vital work that these organisations do to prevent young people from becoming involved in criminal activity.
- Local authorities are under significant financial pressure. Rising demand and reductions to central government funding mean that children’s services departments face a £3.1 billion funding gap by 2025, while the Youth Offending Grant has halved since 2010. We are calling on Government to do more to support a preventative approach by adequately funding youth services.
Download the full briefing
Offensive Weapons Bill: Knife Crime Prevention Orders - 6 February 2019