Devon and Cornwall Police welcome new knife laws

It's harder for people under 18 to get weapons

A new law has come into effect making it harder for people to buy dangerous weapons and become involved in knife crime.

The number of knife crimes reported to Devon and Cornwall Police was 746 in last year; down about five per cent on 2020.

Retailers and couriers are now legally obliged to do more to ensure that knives, corrosives and other offensive weapons are not sold or delivered to those under the age of 18. The new restrictions will also make it an offence to possess a corrosive substance in a public place.

The move comes after the first part of the act came into force in July 2021 banning the possession of certain dangerous items in private.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Bradley, Devon and Cornwall's strategic lead for knife crime, said: “The tragic loss of life relating to knife crime causes devastating harm to families and communities. Safeguarding people from knife crime remains a top priority for Devon & Cornwall Police. We are committed to reducing knife crime offences in the counties and keeping our communities safe.

“We welcome these new measures that will go some way to taking weapons off the streets and make it more difficult for people to get hold of knives and other dangerous items in the first place. It also places additional responsibility onto delivery companies to conduct vital age verification upon delivery. These are important developments that will help us to address the growing issue of the online sale of knives.

“Devon & Cornwall retains one of lowest knife crime rates of all 43 police forces and we hope to maintain this record. This type of offence remains low across the region, and we continue to monitor both local and national developments to allow for early intervention should any additional risk be identified.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns to contact Devon & Cornwall Police so we can take action and if appropriate put in safeguarding measures to protect anyone who may be vulnerable.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Tackling increasing levels of violence is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan and we are working hard on this through the Serious Violence Prevention Partnership.

“I welcome this change in legislation and fully support Devon and Cornwall Police and the Chief Constable in their robust approach to tackling weapons, an example of which I witnessed in Op Medusa in Plymouth recently.

“Anything that can help steer our people away from violence and weapons can only be a good thing. The vast majority of people in Devon and Cornwall are responsible and I would urge any of them who witness violence or weapons in use to report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”