Meeting with Milton Keynes MP to discuss knife crime

This morning (25th February) I met with Milton Keynes North MP and local neighbourhood inspector Lee Brace to discuss the understand concerns in the community, following the shocking murder earlier this month and to talk about the police response. 

“The immediate response has of course seen arrests made and an increased visible presence within communities. Section 60 measures have been imposed to increase stop and search powers to tackle those who carry weapons. This is in addition to the ongoing work to target individuals known to the police and to focus on hotspots as well as working in school and with young people to address some of the root causes of knife crime.

“This morning’s meeting was also an opportunity to discuss what more can be done, in conjunction with the government, to drive down knife crime. As well as updating on police officer recruitment, that will see 4,615 police officers in Thames Valley by the end of March, we discussed how the Home Office can support recruitment into the future. We also discussed work with the CPS and the courts to ensure those who carry knives are held to account by the criminal justice system.”

It comes after the shocking murder of a 16-year-old boy earlier this month. An 18 year-old has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a a public place.

Section 60 measures were put in place over parts of Milton Keynes, giving the police enhanced stop and search powers and additional officers have been patrolling in Milton Keynes to provide reassurance to the community.