Cash boost for police to tackle knife crime

A cash-injection from central Government is set to help Thames Valley Police impose its zero-tolerance approach to knife crime. 

The force has been chosen to receive support from the Home Office and will be granted £150,000 to fund preventative knife crime work in schools across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. 

The scheme is set to be launched at the North Oxfordshire Academy in Banbury on Monday
Working in collaboration with the New Destiny Trust, a portion of the money is set to go towards providing airport-style security arches and wands outside key places such as nightclubs, schools and railway stations. 

The use of search arches proved particularly effective for the British Transport Police and Thames Valley Police at this summer's Marlow Regatta, where 17 people were arrested. 

DCC Francis Habgood, who leads for the force on knife crime, said: "We are fortunate in the Thames Valley not to have seen huge numbers of knife-related incidents but should not be complacent.
"The opportunity to have additional funds to tackle the issue is welcome news.

"We intend to get across the message that knives will not be tolerated on our streets.
"It is important to do this face-to-face, particularly with those young people who are most likely to feel the need to carry a knife."

The scheme will see schools hosting police officers and experienced youth mentors for a day. Students will be shown search arches and take part in interactive knife crime sessions led by New Destiny Trust youth workers.

More than thirty schools across Thames Valley have responded positively to an invitation to take part in the scheme, and work is ongoing to confirm dates."