Fewer offenders carrying knives

The number of people cautioned or sentenced for carrying knives or offensive weapons has fallen by 16 per cent in two years.

The Ministry of Justice said 5,466 offenders were caught between July and September, compared with 6,490 in the same period in 2009. Among juveniles, the decrease was 28 per cent (1,253 offences to 904), Among adult offenders, the drop was 13 per cent (5,237 to 4,561).

Since May 2008 tougher sentences have been introduced for offences involving the possession of knives.