Measures to combat gun and knife crime announced

Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson today announced new measures to tackle violent crime involving dangerous weapons.

Legislative proposals have been laid before Parliament which would extend key aspects of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill to Northern Ireland. The proposal will provide new powers and penalties in relation to knives, firearms and crossbows in Northern Ireland.

Announcing the proposals Mr Hanson said: “The Government is committed to tackling the levels of violent crime in society by further restricting the availability of knives, weapons and imitation firearms.

"I am determined to reduce the availability of these dangerous weapons and to tackle what is sometimes referred to as an increasing 'knife and weapons culture' around criminality.”

Outlining the proposals the Minister continued: “We are tightening the restrictions on the sale of knives, bladed weapons and crossbows by increasing the age at which people can purchase knives from 16 to 18 years of age.

"The penalty for failure to comply will be up to six months imprisonment. It will also be an offence for a person to use someone else to hide or carry a dangerous weapon for an unlawful purpose with a penalty of up to ten years imprisonment."

The Violent Crime Reduction Bill makes provision for a range of powers about knives, real and imitation firearms and ammunition. It also improves the law on mobile phone offences and sexual trafficking. Each of these provisions will extend to Northern Ireland.

The Bill creates a range of other powers and provisions which apply only to England and Wales. These deal with alcohol and football related disorder.

Northern Ireland Ministers are expected to bring forward separate proposals in these areas in due course.

(MB/SP)