A new zero-tolerance knife campaign has been launched in Milton Keynes after a number of tragic incidents in the town.
Operation Deter, launched by Thames Valley Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, will focus on making ‘better use of charging and remanding offenders aged over 18 to court, ensuring that a robust message is sent to anyone found in possession of a knife.’
The scheme will launch across the Thames Valley with a particular focus on Milton Keynes initially, where there have been four fatal stabbings recorded in the past three months according to reports.
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PCC Matthew Barber said: “Too many young people have become victims of knife crime, and the prevalence of knife-carrying is a concern for many residents.
“This comprehensive approach to tackling not just knife crime but the wider culture of knife-carrying will be a template not just for the whole of the Thames Valley but a model for other forces to follow.
“Our communities want an end to knife crime. Operation Deter will see Thames Valley Police arrest, detain and prosecute people who carry a knife.
Carrying a knife is a breach of the Criminal Justice Act and it can lead to a prison sentence of up to four years.
The scheme will ensure those caught carrying a knife in the Thames Valley are proactively charged and remanded to court while the suspect is still in custody.
A more robust approach will then be taken with regard to bail.
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Assistant Chief Constable Tim De Meyer added: “Milton Keynes is a very safe place to live and work, but we remain absolutely committed to stamping out knife crime, and this operation will deal firmly and swiftly with those who carry a knife in public.
“Despite knife crime showing a decrease year on year in Milton Keynes, sadly, we have still seen some tragic and troubling knife-related incidents.
“I cannot stress enough that carrying a knife makes you more likely to end up a victim yourself.
“Our message is clear. This zero-tolerance approach to those found in possession of a knife will see faster and tougher enforcement, making it more likely that those carrying weapons will be stopped, arrested, charged and prosecuted.
“Thames Valley Police will use all the tactics available to us to make Milton Keynes safer.”
The scheme will be rolled out to the rest of the policing area over the coming year.
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In addition to Operation Deter, a new intervention scheme funded by the PCC will help to reach young people early in order to help them avoid the criminal justice system.
It will see the Youth Offending Team immediately notified when a child under 18 is arrested and a member of the team will meet with the child within 90 minutes.
If they leave custody, a further meeting will take place in the next 48 hours.
Matthew Barber added: “Be in no doubt. If you chose to carry a knife, you are going to be more likely to be stopped and you will be facing tough consequences for your actions.
“Carrying a weapon endangers you and those around you and we all want to see those responsible held to account and taken off our streets.”
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