Knife amnesty in time for day of peace

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has welcomed news that there will be a knife amnesty before the ‘International Day of Peace’ in Rochdale on 21 September. Mr Rowen was speaking after revealing that 21% of all serious crimes in Greater Manchester involved a knife. Paul has now called for tougher action against those caught selling knives to children and young people.

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats also reveal that:

• Only 71 people have been successfully prosecuted for selling knives to children in the last five years 
• None were sent to prison and only one was given a community sentence 
• 56 people were fined, but 21 of them were given fines of less than £200

Paul Rowen said: “These figures show that not enough deterrents are in place to stop shop keepers breaking the law and selling these dangerous weapons. The small fines and lack of imprisonments is a national embarrassment when you consider the number of recent murders and violent assaults involving knives. When you consider that 21% of all crimes committed in Greater Manchester involve knives it is clear that the courts must take a much stronger stand against those who are fuelling knife crime by illegally selling knives to children and young people. It is clear that we need to cut the supply if knives and the law currently isn’t playing a role in this. I have written to the Home Office Minister Jacqui Smith making these points.”

The knife amnesty was suggested by Paul Rowen MP Rochdale police bosses will be revealing the details shortly.

Mr Rowen added: “This is an excellent idea and one that fits perfectly with the ethos of our international day of peace. Every knife handed in will make the streets of Rochdale safer. I would advise people to wrap any knives into cardboard and hand them into your local Police Station. I am pleased that Rochdale Police are taking this step as it shows a real commitment to tackling the root causes of crime. Carrying a knife is an ineffective form of self-defence and I would encourage people with knives to hand them in.”

Peace Parade organiser John Farrington said: “We welcome this move from Rochdale Police and thank Paul Rowen for suggesting it. This is just one of a series of events leading up to our International Day of Peace – all aimed at promoting peace and harmony. Other events include our peace poetry competition, our kick a ball for peace 5 a-aside competitions and much more. Proactive steps like the knife amnesty will lead to a safer Borough.”