More knife crime offenders jailed
11 June 2009
More criminals are being jailed for carrying a knife and the number of offences dealt with involving knives has fallen, according to new statistics published by the Ministry of Justice today.
The statistics also show that offenders caught carrying a knife are receiving longer prison sentences and fewer cautions.
Between January and March 2009 the statistics show a fall of 7% in the total number of offences involving possession of a knife or other offensive weapon dealt with to 6,477 from 6,931, compared to same period in 2008. This fall increases to 15% for youths aged between 10 and 17.
The number of prisoners serving a sentence for possession of an offensive weapon increased by nearly half again (44%) between the first quarter of 2008 and the same period in 2009.
The figures show:
- More offenders are being sent to jail.
The proportion of immediate custodial terms given for possessing a knife or offensive weapon increased from 17% of all sentences to one in five (20%) between the first quarter of 2008 and the same period in 2009. The number of offences resulting in immediate custody rose 13% from 1,167 to 1,320 during the same period. - Fewer offences are being dealt with.
The number of cautions or sentences given to youths decreased by 15% between the first quarter of 2009 and the same quarter in 2009 (from 1,591 to 1,359). For all age groups the number of cautions and sentences handed down decreased by 7% from 6,931 to 6,477 between the two periods. - Longer sentences are being handed down.
The average immediate custodial sentence has risen by a third (33% – from 139 days in the first quarter of 2008 to 185 days in the same period of 2009). - Tougher community sentences are being used more often.
The proportion of community sentences given increased from 29% to 33%, while the number of offences resulting in community sentences rose 9% (from 1,977 in the first quarter of 2008 to 2,161 in the same period of 2009). These can include tough and visible Community Payback where offenders are required to undertake demanding physical work to pay back to the communities they have harmed.
Fewer cautions are being issued. The proportion of cautions for carrying a knife fell from 35% to 25% between the first quarter of 2008 and the same period this year. The number fell 33% during the same time span (2,394 in the first quarter of 2008 compared to 1,599 in the same period of 2009).
Justice Minister Maria Eagle said:
‘These statistics show tougher penalties are being imposed by courts – which means more prison sentences and fewer cautions are being handed down.
‘The government’s rigorous stance on knife crime is clearly working – we have clamped down on criminals who carry knives, and anyone aged 16 or over caught in possession of a knife can now expect to be prosecuted on the first offence. More stringent penalties are being implemented by the courts, in line with Court of Appeal guidance.
‘This progress is both positive and necessary, but we must work even harder to rid our streets of the scourge of knife crime. We will work with the police and the judiciary to ensure those who are caught with a knife are prosecuted and face a tough and visible punishment.
‘And as the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge spelt out, if you are caught carrying a knife the consequences are serious – there is a very good chance you could end up in prison.’
Policing Minister David Hanson said:
‘These latest figures showing more people going to jail for carrying knives and for longer are very encouraging.
‘The government is taking targeted action to tackle knife crime, particularly when it comes to young people. Between June 2008 and March 2009, forces in the ten original Tackling Knives Action Programme areas took more than 3,500 knives off the streets – each of which had the potential to inflict a serious or fatal injury. But we have always made clear that tough police enforcement is just one element of our strategy to deal with knife crime. It also includes ongoing work on education, prevention and prosecution to directly address the causes of knife crime.
‘By continuing this targeted programme of action and extending the remit to include 13 to 24-year-olds we have made it clear that we are committed to tackling the core minority of young people who persist in committing serious violence and working hard to make people feel safe in their communities.’
A fuller breakdown of the Knife Crime Sentencing Quarterly Brief January to March 2009 England and Wales, published by the Ministry of Justice is below.
Offences by adults
There were 5,115 offences by adults dealt with in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 5,340 in the same period of 2008.
Of these there was a 15% increase in the number which resulted in an immediate custodial sentence (1,234 compared to 1,074 in the same period in 2008). The proportion of immediate custodial sentences for carrying a knife increased from 20% to 24%.
Offences by 10 to 17-year-olds
There were 1,359 offences by youths dealt with in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 1,591 in the same period of 2008.
The number of offences resulting in community sentences went up by 7% from 679 in the first quarter of 2008 to 725 in the same period of 2009. The proportion of community sentences as a part of all sentences increased from 43% to 53%.
Notes to editors
- Knife crime sentencing quarterly brief January to March 2009 England and Wales
- The figures relate to disposals (from cautions to custodial sentences) in England and Wales during the period January to March 2009. All statistics quoted in the quarterly brief are provisional and subject to change in future quarters.
- On 11 March 2009, the Home Secretary announced an extra £5 million to extend the Tackling Knives Action Programme for another year. In November 2008, four more police forces were added to the original ten, as second tier forces – Bedfordshire, Northumbria, South Yorkshire and British Transport Police. The scheme has now been extended to include Kent and Hampshire.
- The Tackling Knives Action Programme works alongside the £100 million Youth Crime Action Plan. The Youth Crime Action Plan, published in July 2008, takes a comprehensive look at youth crime and sets out a package of measures to deal with the full range of issues around it, setting a goal to reduce by one fifth the number of young people entering the criminal justice system by 2020.
- For more information please contact the Ministry of Justice press office on 020 3334 3536.