Dorset Police is hoping that changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 will see a cut in knife crime.

From this Wednesday 6 April it became harder for young people to buy weapons, both at the point of sale and delivery.

Retailers and couriers will now be legally obliged to do more to ensure that knives, corrosives and other offensive weapons are not sold or delivered to those under the age of 18. The new restrictions will also make it an offence to possess a corrosive substance in a public place.

The move comes after the first part of the act came into force in July 2021 banning the possession of certain dangerous items in private, including zombie knives, shuriken or death stars and knuckledusters.

Dorset Police and partner agencies will be working together to educate the public and the business community regarding these changes in legislation.

Chief superintendent Mark Callaghan, the force’s strategic lead for violent crime, said: “The harm caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating and that is why knife crime remains a top priority for Dorset Police. We are committed to reducing knife crime offences in the county.

“We welcome these new measures that will go some way to taking weapons off the streets and make it more difficult for people to get hold of knives and other dangerous items in the first place. It also places additional responsibility onto delivery companies to conduct vital age verification upon delivery. These are important developments that will help us to address the growing issue of the online sale of knives.

“Knife crime is not something we can solve alone, and we continue to work closely with schools, charities and community groups to ensure that messages about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife reaches young people in schools and colleges.

“It is also important that parents and wider members of the community familiarise themselves with these changes and understand what they mean. By working together we can bring about real change.

“We want to provide support and advice to those who know a knife carrier and for parents, carers and bystanders to be able to spot the signs and speak out if they know someone is carrying a knife. We would encourage anyone with concerns to contact Dorset Police so we can take action and if appropriate put safeguarding measures in place to protect anyone who may be vulnerable.”

In 2021, the number of crimes involving knives reported to Dorset Police fell by one per cent from 298 in 2020 to 295. A total of 36 per cent of these victims, 107 individuals, were under 25.

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and an unlimited fine. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife more than once.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for Community Safety at BCP Council, said: “I’m pleased that further legislative powers have been introduced to make it increasingly difficult for offensive weapons to be obtained. This is an important piece in the jigsaw as we continue to increase preventative work in our communities and within schools to educate and combat the route to criminal activity. As part of our seasonal response commitment, BCP Council has invested additional funding to support youth outreach work and seasonal events across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for young people. BCP Council will continue to work with Dorset Police and support vulnerable people, victims and families who have been affected by crime.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I wholeheartedly welcome these new measures. It is only right that the law is changed to combat the all too ‘easy’ way in which offensive weapons were sold by some retailers. As a parent and grandparent, the thought that a child could, with a few clicks of a computer, buy a hunting knife online and have it delivered to their door was quite frankly, frightening.

“All too often, we have seen the devastation caused by knife crime, a life tragically taken, a family destroyed, a community damaged and that is why this legislation is so important – if it helps prevent one loss of life then it has served its purpose.

“I believe that education and early intervention are key if we are to keep our residents and communities safe from knife crime and so I will be working with the police, schools, colleges and youth groups from across the county, as well as with our partner agencies, to make sure we work better and smarter together to tackle knife crime in Dorset.”

If you believe someone is in immediate possession of a knife or offensive weapon please dial 999. If you would like to report your concerns about a knife carrier or need some advice, please email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or visit dorset.police.uk and report it online.

Unwanted knives can be disposed of at local recycling centres or safely packaged in your household waste.