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12/03/2009
Knife Crime Hospital Admissions Falling
The number of people being admitted to hospital in England for knife injuries has fallen by 8%, according to new figures released today.
The National Health Service (NHS) findings also reveal that there has been a 14% drop in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.
However, statistics released from the Home Office last year claimed there had been a 27% fall overall.
At the time of the Home Office release a row between the Office for National Statistics and the government erupted, with Sir Michael Scholar deeming the figures "premature, irregular and selective".
An apology from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, was later issued to MPs in the House of Commons, admitting they had been “too quick off the mark” in releasing the figures.
The information released had suggested that admissions for knife wounds had fallen by 27% in ten areas between July and September 2008, even though statisticians had warned that they were "potentially inaccurate".
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has released figures suggesting more people are being jailed for possession of knives.
The report found that immediate custodial sentences for offences involving possession of a knife or other offensive weapon had risen by almost a quarter (23%).
However, of those who were caught, only a fifth were given immediate jail sentences, but it is still up from 17% to 21%.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said that meant the number getting a custodial sentence had risen by almost a quarter while the number of cautions was down by 31%.
"These figures underline our determination to tackle the scourge of knife crime. And they show that the tough approach is working,” he said.
"The figures show that tougher penalties are being implemented by the courts. Fewer cautions are being issued and we're seeing more community sentences, more suspended sentences and more prison sentences handed out."
Referring to yesterday’s announcement of extra funding to tackle knife crime, Mr Straw said: "Another £5 million has just been dedicated to stepping up the Tackling Knives Action Programme to allow it to continue its work with parents, schools and communities across Britain."
See: Extra £5m To Clamp Down On Knife Crime
(JM/BMcC)
The National Health Service (NHS) findings also reveal that there has been a 14% drop in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.
However, statistics released from the Home Office last year claimed there had been a 27% fall overall.
At the time of the Home Office release a row between the Office for National Statistics and the government erupted, with Sir Michael Scholar deeming the figures "premature, irregular and selective".
An apology from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, was later issued to MPs in the House of Commons, admitting they had been “too quick off the mark” in releasing the figures.
The information released had suggested that admissions for knife wounds had fallen by 27% in ten areas between July and September 2008, even though statisticians had warned that they were "potentially inaccurate".
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has released figures suggesting more people are being jailed for possession of knives.
The report found that immediate custodial sentences for offences involving possession of a knife or other offensive weapon had risen by almost a quarter (23%).
However, of those who were caught, only a fifth were given immediate jail sentences, but it is still up from 17% to 21%.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said that meant the number getting a custodial sentence had risen by almost a quarter while the number of cautions was down by 31%.
"These figures underline our determination to tackle the scourge of knife crime. And they show that the tough approach is working,” he said.
"The figures show that tougher penalties are being implemented by the courts. Fewer cautions are being issued and we're seeing more community sentences, more suspended sentences and more prison sentences handed out."
Referring to yesterday’s announcement of extra funding to tackle knife crime, Mr Straw said: "Another £5 million has just been dedicated to stepping up the Tackling Knives Action Programme to allow it to continue its work with parents, schools and communities across Britain."
See: Extra £5m To Clamp Down On Knife Crime
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
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29 June 2009
Johnson Outlines More Help To Tackle Knife Crime
More than 150 organisations will receive £2.3 million to tackle knife crime and support victims, Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced today. A total of £2 million from the Community Fund and the Youth Sector Development Fund will help organisations who work with young people to prevent them becoming involved in gun, gang and knife crime.
Johnson Outlines More Help To Tackle Knife Crime
More than 150 organisations will receive £2.3 million to tackle knife crime and support victims, Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced today. A total of £2 million from the Community Fund and the Youth Sector Development Fund will help organisations who work with young people to prevent them becoming involved in gun, gang and knife crime.
22 July 2009
Knife Crime Cut, But Deaths Up In Anti-Knife Drive
Latest figures released today have found that knife-related violence against under-20s has been cut by 17%, but the number of deaths among teenagers remains unchanged. The Home Office-led report, called 'Tackling Knives Action Programme' (TKAP), started last July in 10 police areas across England and Wales.
Knife Crime Cut, But Deaths Up In Anti-Knife Drive
Latest figures released today have found that knife-related violence against under-20s has been cut by 17%, but the number of deaths among teenagers remains unchanged. The Home Office-led report, called 'Tackling Knives Action Programme' (TKAP), started last July in 10 police areas across England and Wales.
10 November 2009
Portable Detectors Combat Knife Crime
Hand-held metal detectors are to be given out in the fight against Scotland's 'booze and blade' culture. The Scottish Government has allocated £30,000 to supply free hand-held metal detectors for all first-time recipients of Best Bar None Awards.
Portable Detectors Combat Knife Crime
Hand-held metal detectors are to be given out in the fight against Scotland's 'booze and blade' culture. The Scottish Government has allocated £30,000 to supply free hand-held metal detectors for all first-time recipients of Best Bar None Awards.
29 May 2008
Government To Tackle Knife Crime With Shocking Images
Disturbing images of knife injuries are being released in the latest government campaign to tackle alarming levels of knife crime in the UK. Teenagers have designed the graphic images, which show the gruesome aftermath of a knife attack. One shows exposed intestines from a knife wound and the hand of a victim whose thumb has been severed.
Government To Tackle Knife Crime With Shocking Images
Disturbing images of knife injuries are being released in the latest government campaign to tackle alarming levels of knife crime in the UK. Teenagers have designed the graphic images, which show the gruesome aftermath of a knife attack. One shows exposed intestines from a knife wound and the hand of a victim whose thumb has been severed.
20 January 2011
Flying Squad Release CCTV Footage In Hunt
The Flying Squad has released CCTV footage of a shopkeeper grappling with a violent armed robber as officers hunt men suspected of two crimes which took place just minutes apart. The images capture the moment the brave 46-year-old and his son, 25, tried to fend off the robbers despite them being armed with a handgun and a large knife.
Flying Squad Release CCTV Footage In Hunt
The Flying Squad has released CCTV footage of a shopkeeper grappling with a violent armed robber as officers hunt men suspected of two crimes which took place just minutes apart. The images capture the moment the brave 46-year-old and his son, 25, tried to fend off the robbers despite them being armed with a handgun and a large knife.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
