Extension for anti-knives campaign

Dec 1 2012

The Lord Advocate has launched a campaign targeting those who carry knives over the festive season.

The drive builds on Frank Mulholland QC's zero tolerance knife crime prosecution policy over last year's Christmas and new year period.

During that period, anyone caught in possession of a knife in Scotland's town or city centres would have been prosecuted before a Sheriff and jury.

This meant that the offender faced the potential maximum prison sentence of four years.

For this festive period, the Lord Advocate has extended this zero tolerance action to cover any location in the country.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) seasonal campaign, which runs from December 1 to January 4, aims to help reduce the number of knife crime-related offences and increase confidence in public safety.

Last year's town and city centre campaign saw an 18% reduction in the number of knife-related cases from the same period the previous year.

Mr Mulholland said: "Law enforcement has repeatedly warned of the dangers of carrying a knife. This action provides an opportunity to use it which can lead to the loss of life or liberty. If you are thinking of carrying a knife - don't. It is not worth it. I hope this message will result in a safer festive period for all."

The COPFS campaign is supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (Acpos) and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit.

Assistant Chief Constable Russell Dunn, secretary of the Acpos crime business area, said: "Acpos again welcomes and fully supports the initiative announced today. The targeting of those who carry and use weapons is a priority for the Scottish police service, not just at this time of year."