Courts To Be Able To Impose Knife Crime Orders, Home Office Announces

Courts will be given extra powers to tackle knife crime and serious violence, the Home Office has announced.

Knife crime prevention orders (KCPOs) are civil orders that can be imposed by courts on anybody aged 12 or over who police believe is carrying a knife.

The orders – part of the Offensive Weapons Act – were included in draft guidance published on Thursday.

Courts will also be able to impose rules and curfews preventing association with certain people, and geographical restrictions.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We are cracking down on violent crime, which has a devastating impact on victims, their families, and our communities.

“Our Offensive Weapons Act will help to stop acids and knives making their way onto our streets and being used to carry out horrifying attacks.”