An article published last year detailing figures surrounding knife-crime in certain areas of England.
The problem seems though, as this article clearly states, is that although knife crime is deteriorating is more suburban areas there is a clear increase in the amount of stabbings in urban areas which include Birmingham.
The mother of a stab victim killed whilst sunbathing in Birmingham City centre at the age of just 16, makes some very valid points on the BBC politics show.
Mainly, the problem is that the laws and punishment surrounding knife-crime are far too soft.
As she rightfully states, carrying knives is looked upon as less of an offense in comparison to carrying a handgun, which is now illegal. So carrying a knife is more preferable to protagonists as their sentence will be more lenient.
Also, knives can be purchased from the age of 16, making them much more accessible than guns, again making them an easier option for young people.
The Criminal Justice Act states that anyone caught carrying a knife without good or lawful reason can face up to two years imprisonment.
So then why is knife-crime increasing?
Because this law is often waived or the sentence will be lowered, depending on the circumstances of the carrier.
The law needs to be changed.
Anyone caught carrying a knife should face 2 years imprisonment, whatever the circumstances and regardless if it has been used or not.
There should be no 6 month sentences or 1 year, every time a person is caught with a knife they should receive 2 years, end of.
Amnesty's and such like can not act as deterrent, only the police can do that, by arresting people in possession of a knife on the spot and by ensuring suppliers of such weapons are closely monitored to prevent underage selling. Maybe even raising the age to 21.
It is really sad that we live in a society where young people feel the need to carry knives for protection. More policing, tighter laws and harsher parenting could solve this problem, but only if the home office stop pretending to do something about it and actually put plans into action.
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