England: Government to introduce knife crime prevention orders

Amendments to the Offensive Weapons Bill 2017-19, currently before the House of Lords, will give courts in England and Wales the power to impose “knife crime prevention orders” on any person aged 12 or over who police believe is carrying a knife, is a habitual knife-carrier, or was previously convicted of a knife-related offence.

The new orders will restrict behaviour by placing curfews and geographical restrictions on individuals as well as limiting their social media use.

Breach of the order will be a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

The government said the new orders will fill a gap in the law which is not covered by existing preventative orders, such as gang injunctions and criminal behaviour orders.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I have been clear that I will do everything in my power to tackle the senseless violence that is traumatising communities and claiming too many young lives.

“The police already have a range of measures they are using to keep our streets safe, but there is more we can do to help them in this battle. I have listened to their calls and will be introducing these new orders to stop gang members carrying knives in the first place.”