New powers will allow police to "keep the pressure" on those in possession of weapons including zombie knives.
Yesterday's pilot launch of Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs) provides police with "another tool to target high-risk offenders", said a senior officer. Superintendent Phil Mullally, Merseyside Police's lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime, told the ECHO the scheme would help the "whole-system approach to address the complex issues" around knife crime in Merseyside.
Between 2019 and January this year, over 10,000 weapons were seized and 3,000 arrests were made for serious violence offences. Operation Target, the force's operation targeting knife crime, has worked in partnership with the UK's Border Force to crack down on the importation of illegal weapons.
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Under current laws, weapons like machetes and zombie knives are not outlawed unless they feature images or words on them that suggest they could be used for violence. This means if police find the weapons in someone's home, they cannot seize them, even if they believe it will be used in a crime.
The Home Office said some machetes and other knives can be legitimately used in agricultural works, but criminals are buying, selling and using larger blades to intimidate and cause serious harm. The government has pledged to crack down on such knives, something four previous Tory home secretaries have failed to do. The new plans would allow police greater powers to seize bladed items even if not prohibited.
SVROs will now give police new powers to target and search potential offenders with weapons. Merseyside Police is one of four forces trialling the new post-conviction powers, with the pilot scheme running for two years. The court will be able to make an SVRO when an adult is convicted of an offence involving a bladed article or offensive weapon.
These orders will help to tackle prolific and high-risk offenders by making it easier for police to search them for weapons. The new powers will also help protect first time offenders from being drawn into exploitation by gangs, by acting as a deterrent to further weapons carrying.
Superintendent Mullally told the ECHO: "This month’s launch of SVROs provides us with another tool to target high-risk offenders, who have been convicted of an offence involving a bladed article or knife. This will help us keep the pressure on those who persist in unlawfully carrying knives in Merseyside.
"A whole-system approach is needed to address the complex issues around serious violence and knife crime. Over the last 12 months, Operation Target has invested over £300,000 to local communities in Merseyside, on prevention and early intervention initiatives including new and updated CCTV, knife wands, drug wipes and supporting outreach work with community partners including VIBE youth charity, Kaalmo Youth Development, Positive Pathways, Tiber Football Centre, Alley Angels and Parenting 2000."
The senior officer added: "Over the last 12 months, knife crime has reduced by more than 20%. While we are making positive progress, we understand the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and are relentless in our approach to targeting and pursuing criminals. There is no place for knives in our communities."
Anyone with information relating to knives or other weapons is asked to call 101, DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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