Drive to tackle Knife Crime must be sustained - McClarty
East Londonderry Assembly member David McClarty says the drive to tackle knife crime must be sustained.
Welcoming an announcement by Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson that another knife amnesty is to be staged later in the year, Mr. McClarty said: “The more knives are taken out of circulation the better.
“In my area we have seen incidences of knife crime on the increase in recent times with shops staff held up at knifepoint in broad daylight. This is unacceptable and I fully endorse the opportunity for knife holders to dispose of their weapons as quickly as possible.”
Mr. McClarty said he was encouraged by the response to the last knife amnesty here when almost 900 items were surrendered.
However, he added: “I believe we must maintain the initiative to tackle this growing problem and that is why I am in full support of the Minister’s summit.
“It is a useful exercise in bringing together all those who have something to contribute to the debate and those who are in the frontline from business people to youth leaders.
“It is the duty of all of us to listen to the Minister’s plea for everyone to become involved in confronting knife crime.
“We require tough new measures to deter people from carrying knives and stiffer penalties for those who are caught must be introduced.”