Weapon/Knife Crime Facts

AIMS To raise awareness on weapon/knife crime and the law To discuss the consequences of carrying a weapon/knife

Criminal law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 Any person who without lawful authority, or reasonable excuse has with him/her in a public place, any offensive weapon commits an offence. Lawful authority – Police officer with baton. Soldier with bayonet Reasonable excuse – Carpet fitter, joiner or butcher at work

Criminal law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 Police Powers With reasonable grounds a Police Officer may enter school premises without warrant and search the premises and any person found on the premises for knives, offensive weapons and specifically listed martial arts weapons. Penalty Up to four years imprisonment, a fine, or both. The court will normally order the weapon to be destroyed

Offensive weapon - Definition An offensive weapon includes any article:- Made – swords, knuckle dusters Adapted to cause injury - baseball bat with nail, sharpened metal comb Intended by the person having it to cause injury - Golf club, kitchen knife. These items would become offensive weapons if they were being used in a threatening or intimidating way.

Consequences Young people who have carried knives and thought they would be more protected or feel safer have faced the following – Injury from their own weapon Criminal record Fine Prison sentence Death You are more likely to be injured if you carry a knife.

Criminal Record Once you have a criminal record it can affect the rest of your life. A criminal record can stop you joining some colleges and universities if you want to do further education. A criminal record can stop you travelling to other parts of the world such as USA, Canada or Australia.

Knife Injuries There is no ‘safe place’ on the body to stab someone. Anywhere that you are stabbed can damage nerves, blood vessels or organs. If a main artery is cut/severed or if the heart is punctured you can loose all of your blood in minutes.

Responsibility of ALL You have a responsibility for keeping yourself and others safe. If you are aware of someone who carries a weapon/knife what could you do? Make a responsible decision Share information with someone you trust – teacher, youth club leader, Police Scotland, Crimestoppers

Illegal to Buy or Sell It is a criminal offence for a person under 18 to buy a knife and it’s illegal for shops to sell knives to anyone under 18 years old. It is also illegal for any online stores to sell knives to anyone under 18 years old.

Quiz Time Now test your knowledge on weapon/knife crime, the law and the consequences of carrying a weapon.