Major Cash Boost to Tackle Knife Crime and Violence
Hampshire’s fight against violent crime just got a hefty funding boost. On top of £880,000 announced last month for Hampshire’s Violence Reduction Unit, a fresh package of cash is set to back new early intervention schemes and targeted police action, including efforts to cut murder and knife crime.
Police Get More Resources to Clean Up the Streets
Caroline said: “I am very pleased to see more funding this month to support our police officers as they help make our streets safer and tackle serious crime.”
She added: “The new funding announced today comes on top of £880,000 allocated last month to reduce violent crime and fund preventative programmes. I look forward to seeing how the money will be spent to benefit our community.”
£130.5 Million Package Targets Serious Violence
- £30 million to back police crackdowns in England and Wales hotspots
- £23 million for early intervention schemes to steer youths away from violence
- £10 million to expand programmes tackling domestic abuse perpetrators
- Over £3 million to probe gang activity on social media
- £1.6 million for Creating Opportunities Forum to boost youth employment
- £1 million to pilot new homicide reviews aiming to prevent future deaths
New Laws and Powers on the Horizon
This big funding push arrives ahead of a crucial criminal justice Bill. The bill will give police fresh stop and search powers targeting knife and weapon carriers. It will also make public bodies like police, schools, and health services work together to tackle serious violence.
Plus, local agencies will be required to review cases of homicides involving offensive weapons, helping to stop further bloodshed.
Home Secretary Priti Patel Speaks Out
Priti Patel declared: “I am determined to cut crime and make our streets safer, which is why we are recruiting 20,000 more police officers, introducing new stop and search powers and giving the police the resources they need to go after the serious violent criminals causing misery in communities.”
She added, “But when it comes to gangs and serious violence, we must also tackle underlying causes. That is why we are investing in a new early intervention programme to stop young people coming into the cycle of violence.”
