Hampshire Gets Extra £880k to Fight Knife Crime and Murder
Hampshire’s Violence Reduction Unit is bagging another funding boost on top of last month’s £880,000 cash injection. This fresh funding targets early intervention schemes and helps police tackle deadly crimes like knife offences and murder.
Police Chiefs Praise the New Cash Injection
Caroline said:
“I’m thrilled to see more money coming through to support our police officers as they work hard to make our streets safer and fight serious crime.
This fresh funding adds to the £880,000 Hampshire Constabulary got last month to slash violent crime and support prevention efforts. I can’t wait to see how this money will benefit our community.”
Massive £130.5 Million Funding Package Launched
The total funding package is a hefty £130.5 million. It includes:
- £30 million to help police target serious violence hotspots in England and Wales
- Up to £23 million for a new early intervention programme to keep young people away from violence
- £10 million to expand programmes preventing domestic abuse by working with offenders
- Over £3 million to crack down on gang-related content on social media
- £1.6 million to pilot the Creating Opportunities Forum, offering jobs for at-risk youth
- £1 million to set up new homicide reviews aimed at preventing future deaths
New Criminal Justice Bill to Back Police
This funding announcement comes ahead of a criminal justice Bill packed with new powers. Police will get enhanced stop-and-search rights to nab knife and weapons carriers. Public bodies, including police, schools, and health agencies, will be forced to work together to tackle violence.
The Bill will also require local authorities to review cases of homicides involving offensive weapons to prevent repeats.
Home Secretary Priti Patel Vows to Crack Down on Crime
Home Secretary Priti Patel declared:
“I’m determined to cut crime and make our streets safer. That’s why we’re recruiting 20,000 more police officers, introducing stronger stop and search powers, and giving police the tools to go after the violent criminals wrecking communities.
But tackling gangs and serious violence means dealing with root causes too. That’s why we’re investing in a new early intervention programme to keep young people away from a life of crime.”
