Beds PCC backs Ronan’s law

Ronan’s law means stricter controls on the sale of knives will be introduced along with tougher penalties for failing to meet these controls in a bid to continue to protect young people from knife crime.

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has commented on the announcement issued yesterday by the government.

John said: “‘Ronan’s Law’ will see the toughest crackdown yet on knife sales online. The government’s announcement to introduce Ronan’s Law is very welcome.

“It should form part of a wider package of new legislation and measures to crackdown on the supply of weapons.

“Tackling knife crime requires a whole-systems approach. It is about more than enforcement. We must focus on prevention initiatives to deter young people from becoming involved in knife crime and serious violence.

“Knife crime has no place in our society.”

Under the new legislation, sellers will have to report suspicious purchases of knives to police to prevent illegal resales online.

Detective Inspector Scott Fowler from the Boson guns and gangs unit said: “The legislation is clear, whether you’re a shop assistant or the CEO of a company selling bladed articles, you will face prosecution if you fail to do everything in your power to prevent them from being used to cause harm.

“Our message remains the same across the county, we do not tolerate knife crime in Bedfordshire. It is time to think twice, think life and Just Drop It.

“With the introduction of Ronan’s Law, we can now elevate our efforts and hold accountable those who make lethal weapons easily accessible to criminals. This enhancement of police powers and tactics will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our ability to address knife crime and ensure public safety.”

Ronan’s Law is in honour of Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed in 2022 in a case of mistaken identity near his home in Wolverhampton aged 16.

For more information on Ronan’s Law, visit the government website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ronans-law-to-see-toughest-crackdown-yet-on-knife-sales-online