New powers to tackle gun and knife crime

A range of tough new powers to tackle alcohol-fulled disorder, knife and gun crime, including realistic imitation firearms and air weapons, have been welcomed today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

The new violent crime measures form part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 and include:

* An offence to manufacture, import or sell realistic imitation guns;

* An offence to sell an imitation gun to a person aged under 18;

* An offence to modify an imitation gun to make it realistic or convertible into a real firearm;

* A doubling of the maximum sentence for carrying an imitation gun in public without reasonable excuse, from 6 to 12 months.

* Air weapons sold only by firearms dealers who are registered by police with all sales taking place face-to-face;

* Increasing the age limit for buying or possessing an air weapon from 17 to 18. Also, an offence to sell, hire or make a gift of an air weapon to a person under the age of 18;

* An offence for any person to fire an air weapon beyond the boundary of any premises;

* An offence to sell a knife to a person aged under 18 (increased from 16). Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"The new measures which come into force on Monday send the strong signal that weapons on our streets will not be tolerated. Tackling gun and knife crime is a top priority for this Government and it is essential that we build on the tools and powers that police already have in order to make people feel safer and more secure in their communities.