Big rise in violent crime sparks call for tougher laws

MINISTERS yesterday vowed to crack down on gun and knife crime after a surge in offences.

Latest figures show crimes involving knives and bladed weapons were up 21 per cent last year. Gun crime went up by 20 per cent.

Police in England and Wales logged a total of 5.3 million crimes in all in the 12 months up to September 2017, a 14 per cent rise on the previous year.

The Office for National Statistics figures also said that overall crime levels had fallen by almost 40 per cent since 2010.

Policing minister Nick Hurd said: “The increase in police-recorded violent offences is genuine, which is why we have taken urgent action to stop these crimes.

“We will be announcing tough new laws to crack down on acid attacks and knife offences.

“And, as crime changes, we will change our response. Our forthcoming Serious Violence Strategy will place a new emphasis on steering young people away from a life of crime, while continuing to promote the strongest possible law enforcement response.”

A spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said: “There can be no place in our society for serious violent crime.

“Anyone guilty of committing such offences will continue to feel the full force of the law.”

But Police Federation general secretary Andy Fittes said falling officer numbers and budget cuts are now having a direct influence on crime figures.

He said: “The Government will no doubt jump on the headline figures but they need to accept the simple reality that the result of cutting police officers and funding is a rise in crime.

“They have to acknowledge this and act now to remedy it.

“Frontline officers are under increasing pressure and dealing with larger caseloads than ever before. This worrying rise in crime will only add to this pressure.

“The reality is there are about 21,000 fewer officers than there were in 2010 and they are having to deal with an ever-increasing number of crimes.

“This is on top of the numerous other roles they undertake as they serve the public.”

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said: “These figures are truly shocking and should put an end to Government complacency on crime.”