Supermarkets join the fight against knife crime

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has launched a new crackdown on selling knives to youngsters. More than 20 retailers have agreed to join the campaign which will involve new signs warning that proof of age will be required if the buyer appears to be under 18. Ms Smith said she wanted to see the scheme "wherever knives are being sold" and added that it was just one of a number of measures being used to tackle knife crime across the UK. She also announced a new attempt to prevent gang-related violence by using injunctions, a measure previously blocked by the courts. Speaking at the launch of the initiative at a supermarket in south London, she said that it would send a "really clear message" and would limit the availability of knives on the street. "If we're going to solve it, it's going to need the police, public, voluntary groups and the private sector working together," she said. "There's not one easy quick way of solving it. It's going to involve all of us thinking hard, working hard and working together." Ms Smith said the scheme would "play an important role" in reducing knife crime, but admitted it would not be enough on its own. "It limits the availability of knives on our streets, which is what we all want to see," she said.

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ITN | February 5, 2009

Tags:. .wanted. .important. .voluntary. .buyer. .youngsters