West Mercia Police welcome tougher action on the sale of knives through Ronan's Law
The Home Office have announced this week they'll be stronger sentences for those selling knives to under 18's
West Mercia Police say it's important focus remains on educating people on the dangers of carrying a knife to tackle knife crime.
The Home Office announced this week they'll be tougher action on the sale of knives, with stronger sentences for those selling knives to under 18's.
Through 'Ronan's Law' the government say it will also explore through a consultation later this year whether a registration scheme should be put in place for all online retailers selling knives so that only responsible sellers are able to sell knives.
Superintendent for prevention in West Mercia Police Brian Gibbs says they have seen a reduction in knife crime across the region and welcome those changes, but it's important to continue to work across all areas to tackle the issue.
"All too often we hear of the tragic devastation caused by knife crime, one victim is one victim too many," he said.
"This legislation and laws are great tools as part of a toolkit that we can utilise to support and reduce knife crime and working with other agencies, however, the real key to sustained reduction is behaviour change.
"We know you are more likely to become a victim of knife crime if you carry a knife yourself, so it's not just that we are protecting victims, we are safeguarding and protecting that individual themselves and we just need to raise that level of awareness."