Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the latest measures to combat knife crime - including the introduction of Ronan’s Law and tougher restrictions on the sale and possession of dangerous weapons.

The new legislation, part of the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill, builds on an ongoing commitment to tackling knife crime and ensuring the safety of communities across the country. These changes include:

Increased penalties for selling weapons to under-18s – the maximum prison sentence will rise from six months to up to two years, applicable to both individuals processing sales and company executives.

Retailers required to strengthen identity verification at the point of sale and delivery, ensuring stricter compliance with age restrictions.

A new offence of "possession with violent intent", carrying a prison sentence of up to four years, even if the weapon itself is not illegal.

A consultation on a registration and licensing scheme for online knife sellers, aiming to introduce stricter regulations and monitoring.

Mandatory reporting of bulk or suspicious knife purchases by retailers to the police.

PCC Philip Wilkinson has strongly supported these changes. He said: “There is absolutely no practical use for these weapons whatsoever, and I welcome the government taking positive steps to close this loophole. We need to ensure that the laws empower our officers and courts to effectively deal with those who use knives to intimidate or cause harm.

“Wiltshire may statistically have some of the lowest levels of knife crime in the country, but we have seen all too often the devastating consequences of carrying a knife. My office remains committed to educating young people on the dangers of carrying bladed weapons and supporting initiatives that steer them away from violence.”

Since October 2023, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has funded a series of “Blunt Truth” workshops across schools in Wiltshire and Swindon via its Serious Violence Duty.

These workshops, delivered by NHS professionals and police officers, educate Year 9 students about the dangers of carrying a knife and what to do if they or someone they know is involved in an incident.

Mr Wilkinson added: “While the majority of young people won’t be directly involved in knife crime, these workshops equip them with the knowledge to make the right choices and, crucially, report concerns if they suspect someone is carrying a weapon.

“Hearing directly from A&E specialists who treat young stabbing victims has a profound impact, reinforcing why investing in prevention and education is so important.”

The Serious Violence Duty, convened via the OPCC, also commissioned WAY Beacons, based in Swindon's Great Western Hospital's emergency department, to help and support those who are victims of knife crime or at risk of exploitation.  

The Beacons speak to patients aged from 11-25 years old who have been admitted with mental health concerns, substance misuse, or who show signs of being at risk of being exploited by criminal gangs.

Additionally, the OPCC recently participated in a Youth Safety Summit in Swindon, where council leaders, health professionals, criminal justice representatives, and members of the Youth Commission discussed key issues facing young people, including knife crime.

Wiltshire remains one of the safest counties in the UK, with knife crime incidents declining by 19% year-on-year, totalling 254 cases as of September 2024. The county also recorded an 8% reduction in knife crime in the year ending March 2024, equating to 26 fewer incidents compared to the previous year.

Despite these improvements, public concern remains high.

The “Use Your Voice” survey highlighted that residents continue to prioritise issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug-related crime, and knife crime. Meanwhile, 1,400 young people surveyed by the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission stressed the need for more education on knife crime and greater awareness of the law.

The introduction of Ronan’s Law and the latest knife crime measures reflect a national effort to close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and protect communities from harm.

Mr Wilkinson remains committed to supporting these changes through education, intervention, and close collaboration with law enforcement and community partners.

He said: “Knife crime destroys lives, and we must do everything we can to stop young people from making dangerous choices. These new laws are a significant step forward, and I will continue to ensure Wiltshire remains at the forefront of prevention and enforcement efforts.”