WIREDGOV

APCC Joint Leads on Serious Violence, Simon Foster, PCC for the West Midlands, and Matthew Barber, PCC for Thames Valley, responded to the news that the Home Secretary will be expanding the government’s crackdown on knife crime by targeting 230 hotspots

“We welcome the government’s approach to reducing knife crime by backing tailored local plans in high risk areas through robust enforcement and preventative action for young people at risk of being a victim or perpetrator.

“P(F)CCs and Deputy Mayors contribute to this vital work through partnership working facilitated by Violence Reduction Units, Community Safety Partnerships and other forums convened by PCCs. The reductions in knife crime since 2024 reflect the success of local problem-solving approaches.

“However, work to combat knife crime and wider serious violence in our local communities requires longer term investment. The promising results of prevention, early intervention and diversion initiatives led by Violence Reduction Units and the Serious Violence Duty partners will be adversely impacted if funding is short-term, uncertain or reduced. 

“This work produces a wide range of positive outcomes for young people, impacting on health, education and employment as well as safety, and government departments must coordinate and maximise funding streams to reflect this.”

Editors’ notes:

• Simon Foster is PCC for the West Midlands
• Matthew Barber is PCC for Thames Valley
• The Home Office announcement can be read on the GOV.UK website here.