London has seen a swift rise in murders recently, especially in stabbing deaths, and in response, a restriction has been placed on knife regulations by the city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan.
Part of the mayor’s restrictions include a ban on having knives sent to residential addresses if purchased online, possession of zombie knives and knuckledusters in private, knives in any educational setting and a ban on rapid-firing rifles.
“There is never a reason to carry a knife,” Khan said.
Stabbing homicides were so bad that in February and March, London had more murder deaths than New York City, according to Fox News.
The upsurge in stabbing deaths is contributed primarily to street gang rivalry and illegal drug trade control.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan targets knives as murder rate spikes: ‘There is never a reason to carry a knife’ https://t.co/q39cpaXSeW
— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) April 9, 2018
Penalties for threatening someone with a weapon will be redefined for prosecution purposes, as well.
A stricter penalty will also be imposed for possessing corrosive substances in a public place and restrictions on anyone under age 18 buying acid.
These changes were prompted by last year’s terrible acid attack spree in London, and the changes are part of London’s new “serious violence strategy,” which is headed by Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
“This government has always stood for law and order and to tackle violent crime effectively; robust legislation and powerful law enforcement must be in place. That’s why we will introduce a new offensive weapons bill that includes a new offense of possessing acid in public without good reason, prevents sales of acids to [anyone] under 18, and stops knives being sent to people’s homes when bought online,” Rudd said.
“I see no good reason why any young person should be carrying a corrosive substance in the street, so I am also announcing that we will consult on extending stop-and-search powers to include acid,” Rudd added.
“Talking tough is not enough. This announcement ignores the factors which we know contribute to crime, including a lack of decent work opportunities for young people, cuts to health services and decline in community policing. The Tories need to put their money where their mouth is, give the police the resources they need to keep people safe, and pursue a collaborative approach to tackling violent crime on our streets,” said Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott.
