Home Secretary Suella Braverman vows a zero tolerance clampdown on knives

• Suella Braverman briefed on scheme aiming to crack down on knife possession 
• Those who possess knives wait months for court cases at the moment
• Operation Deter in Thames Valley aims to instantly charge and remand offenders

A zero-tolerance approach to knife crime could be rolled out across the country.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been briefed on a pilot scheme that aims to crack down on knife possession.

At present, offenders tend to be released under investigation and wait months for court cases to determine their punishment, which is often unpaid work.

A trial in the Thames Valley – named Operation Deter – aims to instantly charge and remand into custody any adult carrying a knife.

Sources close to Mrs Braverman say she could introduce the measure in every police force in the country.

The issue hit the headlines again last week after three people were stabbed during an attempted mobile phone theft during the morning commute in the City of London.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been briefed on a pilot scheme that aims to crack down on knife possession

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber briefed Mrs Braverman on the pilot scheme at the Conservative Party Conference last week and received a positive reception.

Since being appointed to the role a month ago, she has said she will take a no-nonsense approach to law and order and get bobbies back on the beat.

Mr Barber said the pilot scheme had created a ‘hostile environment’ to knife-carrying.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber briefed Mrs Braverman on the pilot scheme at the Conservative Party Conference last week and received a positive reception

He said: ‘It means that if you’ve got a knife, you’ll feel the heat straight away – the short, sharp shock of immediate justice.

‘This speeds things up: delays are not good for victims or defendants. It will act as a deterrent to the person carrying the knife, and a deterrent to those around them.’

The number of crimes involving knives recorded by police increased to 49,027 offences in the year ending March 2022, up from 44,642 the previous year.

The unlawful possession of a knife carries a maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment if handed down in a Crown Court. Magistrates can only sentence up to six months for single offences.

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