CHILDREN are suspects in more than a third of knife-crime incidents reported this year, police say as a new law comes into force today clamping down on the possession of knives in public.
Of 25 incidents relating to offensive weapons this year, ten children have been listed as suspects, one child has been charged and a second sent to a parish hall inquiry.
Under the new Crime (Public Order) Law, described by police as “a preventative step to ensure the safety of our young people and the wider community”, it becomes an offence to carry a knife in public without a good cause. Prosecutors no longer have to prove that a person intended to harm others.
The new law closes a loophole that exists between Jersey legislation and the UK’s Criminal Justice Act that dates back to 1988.
According to the States of Jersey Police, the Island does not currently face a widespread problem with knife crime but it said it would be working closely with a number of organisations – including the Jersey Youth Service and schools – to engage with young people, raise awareness, and address misconceptions around carrying weapons. It also encouraged the public to report any concerns about possession of weapons either directly, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
It added that in the initiative engaging with young people would encourage open dialogue in youth clubs, schools, and the community about the reasons behind carrying weapons and the risks involved.
Sgt David Bowler, of the SOJP’s community policing team, said: “The new law is a preventative step to ensure the safety of our young people and the wider community. I also encourage parents to engage young people in conversations on this topic. There is a range of resources and support available including Parent Talk from Action for Children, on-island support can be accessed at the NSPCC.”
Until now it has not been an offence in Jersey simply to carry an offensive weapon in public, the onus lying with prosecutors to prove an intention to commit harm. However, under the new law that burden has been reversed and a person carrying a knife – or other offensive weapon in public – must now provide a reasonable excuse for their actions.
The new law, introducing statutory public order offences and updating the legal framework around the possession of offensive weapons, aligns Jersey with the UK’s Prevention of Crime Act 1953 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
