Fed welcomes pledge to combat knife crime

6 April 2023

West Midlands Police Federation secretary Tim Rogers has welcomed Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s commitment to combating soaring knife crime.

Ms Bravermen said the Government was looking at legislation targeting the sale of machetes and other types of knives.

Her comments came after the Federation branch chair Rich Cooke called for a ban on the sale of machetes which he said would help cut knife crime across the region.

Tim said: “What we are talking about is saving young lives and that has to be a top priority.

“We need to tackle knife crime from all angles and banning the sale of these disgusting weapons is an extremely important part of that approach.

“These weapons are specifically designed to kill and maim and are often aimed at a target market of young people. That is totally unacceptable.

“We must do all we can to get them off the streets so I am pleased to hear the Home Secretary and policing minister are seeking solutions that will hopefully work in practice.

“We would fully support any legislative changes to make it harder for these weapons to get in the wrong hands and ultimately reduce knife crime and gang violence across our Force area.”

The West Midlands has the highest rate of knife crime in the country and has seen a number of fatal stabbings this year.

Last year West Midlands Police recorded 1,894 crimes where machetes were used – around 160 a month – including robberies, assaults and murders.

The sale of so-called zombie knives was banned in 2016 and anyone found in possession faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

But, machetes – including those with serrated edges – can still be sold to anyone aged over 18 and are readily available online and on the high street for as little as £15.

New legislation would make it an offence to sell machetes and or possess such weapons in the home.