Martin Surl was among a number of PCCs who met with the Rt Hon Amber Rudd to discuss the development of a national strategy to tackle violence crime.
Gun and knife crime is increasing across the country, and whilst that might not come as a surprise to many, what is more shocking is the latest figures show that it’s the age range of 10-17 years that is seeing the most rapid increase in people being involved in knife crime in particular.
This week, Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl met with the Home Secretary Amber Rudd at a round-table to talk about the issues and how the increase can be stemmed, and eventually reduced.
The meeting also included London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Policing and Fire Service Minister Nick Hurd, the Metropolitan Police and others – who agreed that while progress is being made, more needs to be done.
“There is lots of work going on in Gloucestershire looking at prevention and diversion when it comes to violent crime, but it cannot be addressed by the police alone,” says Mr. Surl.
Speaking at today’s Police and Crime panel meeting, the Commissioner told panels members that “Worryingly, more people between 10 and 17years of age are getting involved in violent crime, particularly as a method of what they see is protection. It’s a well-known fact that you’re actually more like to be stabbed with your own weapon than by someone carrying one. So educating our young members of society is going to be an important part of any strategy going forward.”
The members of the round-table discussed solutions to go across national, regional and local levels, and take a multi-agency approach to violent crime.
“Something that was agreed by everyone at the meeting was that data sharing needs to happen if any strategy is going to work. We can’t take an effective and whole approach if the agencies involved don’t have all the information and actively engage with each other in that approach.
“It was fantastic to be able to take part in this discussion, and help to inform what action can be taken to drive levels of violent gun and knife crime downwards.”
