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A nationwide knives amnesty will be held between 24 May and 30 June backed up by a tough police enforcement campaign to drive home the message that carrying knives is not acceptable.
John Austin MP endorsed the drive to tackle knife crime and violence in Bexley & Greenwich and joined local police officers in Plumstead High Street on Monday to publicise the campaign.
John Austin MP said, “This knife amnesty is about creating safer streets and I hope that like previous amnesties it will take deadly weapons off the streets.
“Often those who carry a knife or dangerous weapon mistakenly believe they are protecting themselves and have no intention of becoming a murderer – but coupled with drink or drugs these weapons all too often lead to bloodshed.” And he made this appeal to young people “Please do the right thing for your community, stop carrying knives and hand any you have over to the police. Remember this is a chance for you to come clean - but it is only for a limited time.”
The amnesty will target those who carry knives and offensive weapons. A public campaign supporting the amnesty will urge people to hand in their knives during the five week period, when they will be immune from prosecution for possessing them.
The accompanying photograph shows John Austin with local campaigner Lynne Booker collecting signatures on a petition in Plumstead High Street on Monday. Lynne’s 19 year old son Terry was killed in Plumstead in 2000 when he was stabbed by a sixteen year old. Lynne has also set up the terry Booker Foundation as a self-help group for bereaved mothers and fathers.
Lynne is campaigning for tougher action to combat the carrying of knives, particularly by young people. Lynne’s son Terry was fatally stabbed in Plumstead in 2000, aged 19 by a 16 year old and she has set up the Terry Booker Foundation in his memory to provide support to bereaved parents.
Members of the Foundation took a petition to Downing Street and delivered a letter to Prime Minister, Tony Blair calling for tougher laws.
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