Knives Amnesty Alone Won't Eradicate Scotland's Knifeculture

For immediate release: Tuesday 4th July 2006

Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL/JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS

KNIVE AMNESTY ALONE WON'T ERADICATE SCOTLAND'S KNIFE CULTURE

Commenting on the end of the knife amnesty, SNP Deputy Justice Spokesperson Stewart Stevenson MSP today (Tuesday) said:

"We welcome the success of the amnesty however an amnesty alone will not eradicate the knife culture which is plaguing Scotland's streets.

"Recent figures have shown that the number of under-18s being convicted of carrying knives has more than doubled in last decade which is extremely worrying.

"The scourge of knife crime has blighted Scotland for too long, and will only be tackled when the courts impose tough sentences and the law on selling knives to those underage is enforced. We must make people know that carrying knives is not worth the risk."

ENDS.