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07/06/2006
NI knife crime on the increase
Knife killings in Northern Ireland have doubled since the 1998 Good Friday agreement, a report by the PSNI has today revealed.
The report, by PSNI analytical director Mark Evans, also revealed that there have been more than three violent incidents involving knives every day in the last six months.
Since the three-week knife amnesty began in the province on May 25, a number of blades have been dumped at designated bins in civic amenity sites, however it is understood that police can still forensically test any weapons, which they suspect were used in a crime.
A selection of the knives retrieved so far will be put on display in Belfast tomorrow.
Mr Evans, who heads a team of 90 advisers to the Police Service, said that the number of knife murders during the Troubles was relatively low, compared to the amount of incidents reported recently.
Speaking earlier, Mr Evans said: "There were lots of people killed as a result of other activity, but since the Troubles ended we have seen an increase in the number of knife-related murders.
"It's probably twice as bad as it was during the Troubles."
The knife amnesty is part of a government campaign to combat knife crime, which according to Mr Evans has increased to around 100 incidents a month.
Mr Evans said: "The analytical work we did a year ago highlighted this was an issue.
"We produced a report for the senior command team and that, along with the work produced by other people, contributed to a strategy to try and deal with knife crime."
The reaction of the public to the growing knife culture led the British Government and policing chiefs to take action.
(EF/SP)
The report, by PSNI analytical director Mark Evans, also revealed that there have been more than three violent incidents involving knives every day in the last six months.
Since the three-week knife amnesty began in the province on May 25, a number of blades have been dumped at designated bins in civic amenity sites, however it is understood that police can still forensically test any weapons, which they suspect were used in a crime.
A selection of the knives retrieved so far will be put on display in Belfast tomorrow.
Mr Evans, who heads a team of 90 advisers to the Police Service, said that the number of knife murders during the Troubles was relatively low, compared to the amount of incidents reported recently.
Speaking earlier, Mr Evans said: "There were lots of people killed as a result of other activity, but since the Troubles ended we have seen an increase in the number of knife-related murders.
"It's probably twice as bad as it was during the Troubles."
The knife amnesty is part of a government campaign to combat knife crime, which according to Mr Evans has increased to around 100 incidents a month.
Mr Evans said: "The analytical work we did a year ago highlighted this was an issue.
"We produced a report for the senior command team and that, along with the work produced by other people, contributed to a strategy to try and deal with knife crime."
The reaction of the public to the growing knife culture led the British Government and policing chiefs to take action.
(EF/SP)
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18 September 2006
Minister pledges to tackle NI knife culture
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson is to announce a re-run of the knife amnesty in Northern Ireland later this year.
Minister pledges to tackle NI knife culture
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson is to announce a re-run of the knife amnesty in Northern Ireland later this year.
15 December 2008
Woman Arrested After Fatal Omagh Stabbing
A 36-year-old woman has been arrested following a fatal stabbing in Omagh this morning. The incident happened at a house in the Hospital Road area of the town. It is believed the 37-year-old victim, who had been stabbed, died from his injuries. Police have said the attack took place shortly after 3am.
Woman Arrested After Fatal Omagh Stabbing
A 36-year-old woman has been arrested following a fatal stabbing in Omagh this morning. The incident happened at a house in the Hospital Road area of the town. It is believed the 37-year-old victim, who had been stabbed, died from his injuries. Police have said the attack took place shortly after 3am.
20 November 2006
Second knife amnesty gets underway
The PSNI has today welcomed the government's announcement to run a second knife amnesty across Northern Ireland and the change in legislation to raise the age for purchasing a knife from 16 to 18-years-old.
Second knife amnesty gets underway
The PSNI has today welcomed the government's announcement to run a second knife amnesty across Northern Ireland and the change in legislation to raise the age for purchasing a knife from 16 to 18-years-old.
10 November 2017
Northern Ireland 0 Switzerland 1
Northern Ireland have been defeated in their World Cup first leg play-off against Switzerland at Windsor Park. The team lost 1-0 and they have a lot of work to do to get one of the nine remaining places at next summer's finals in Russia.
Northern Ireland 0 Switzerland 1
Northern Ireland have been defeated in their World Cup first leg play-off against Switzerland at Windsor Park. The team lost 1-0 and they have a lot of work to do to get one of the nine remaining places at next summer's finals in Russia.
29 September 2010
Gerry Evans 'Disappeared' Search Ended
The cross-border organisation that was set up to recover long-buried IRA terror victims - known as 'The Disappeared' - has confirmed it is calling off a search for a man missing since 1979.
Gerry Evans 'Disappeared' Search Ended
The cross-border organisation that was set up to recover long-buried IRA terror victims - known as 'The Disappeared' - has confirmed it is calling off a search for a man missing since 1979.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
