'Tough moves' against knife crime

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/5353732.stm

Version 0 of 1.

People caught carrying knives illegally in Northern Ireland could face tougher sentences, the government has warned.

Sting operations could also be set up against traders suspected of selling knives to children.

Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson revealed the plans ahead of a summit on knife crime in Belfast.

Retailers and representatives from the education and youth sectors in Northern Ireland will hear about moves to tackle knife culture.

They will have the opportunity to give their views on the consultation document 'The Law on Knives in Northern Ireland', published by the government on 19 July 2006.

Mr Hanson said increasing the penalties for knife crime would send out a strong signal.

"We need to consider how we can more effectively enforce the law on knives. In particular, to ensure that traders in knives and bladed weapons are acting responsibly," he said.

"I know those here who represent the trade are already doing so, but we need to identify irresponsible retailers. Test purchasing operations can provide an effective tool for doing this."

Approximately 1,200 knife-related crimes occur in Northern Ireland every year, and 44 murders during the past five years have involved blades.

Mr Hanson said a three-week knife amnesty in June had removed almost 900 items from circulation.

Weapons were dumped in designated bins across Northern Ireland.

A new knife amnesty is planned for November.

Police are working with local schools to increase awareness about the use of knives.