Westons MP back action to tackle knife crime

Dan Aldridge, Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare, has backed new Government action to tackle knife crime as part of a wider plan to halve offences and make communities safer.

With knife crime already down by 8% nationally, and knife-related homicides and hospital admissions for assaults involving a sharp object at their lowest level in a decade, the Government has announced further measures to drive down violence.

The plans include targeted support for schools in high-risk areas, with up to 250 schools set to receive specialist training to help identify risks early and prevent young people from being drawn into violence. The 50 schools facing the greatest challenges will receive more intensive, tailored support.

A new £1.2 million Safety In & Around Schools Partnership will also help improve safety for pupils travelling to and from school, while supporting schools to respond to risks in their local communities.

Alongside prevention, enforcement is being strengthened through new mapping technology that allows police to pinpoint when and where knife crime is most likely to occur - down to specific streets and times of day. This targeted approach will enable more effective deployment of officers, increased patrols, and the use of tools such as knife arches, CCTV and Live Facial Recognition to deter offending and catch criminals.

This work is backed by £26 million through the Knife Crime Concentrations Fund, alongside over £34 million this year to tackle County Lines gangs and the exploitation of young people.

Dan Aldridge MP said:

“Knife crime leaves a lasting mark on communities, not just in the headlines but in how safe people feel day to day.

“For too long, communities were left to deal with the consequences as this issue spiralled. This Government is now taking the action needed to get a grip of it.

“What matters now is acting early and focusing effort where it will make the biggest difference - supporting young people away from violence, while taking firm action against those responsible.

“I will continue working to ensure Weston-super-Mare benefits from this approach, keeping our community safe and giving young people the opportunities they deserve.”