The UK Government wants to prohibit the online sale and delivery of knives and acids to private citizens due to the growth of violent crimes among the youth.
This tightened rule came up after the so-called Offensive Weapons Bill was presented in parliament on Wednesday.
In recent years, there have been more acid attacks in the United Kingdom as well as an increase in the use of cold steel arms among teenagers.
Currently, any knife, including kitchen knives, can be purchased freely in stores by anyone over the age of 18.
Warnings about the age limit are placed in stores, and the knives are exhibited in locked display cases.
However, these measures have not stopped attackers from acquiring knives and acids at online stores.
“The Bill deals with three aspects of violent crime ‘acid attacks’, knife crime and gun crime.
“It creates new criminal offences relating to the sale of corrosive products to under 18s and the possession of corrosive substances in a public place.
“Especially substances that might be used in ‘acid attacks’, new criminal offences relating to the sale of corrosive products and knives (and other bladed articles) online, extends and strengthens existing offences relating to the sale and possession of knives, other offensive weapons and prohibits certain firearms,’’ an explanatory note to the bill said.
The bill was presented by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who believes that the legislation will provide greater protection for the public and communities.
The bill also creates a new criminal offence for possessing a corrosive substance in a public place.
If the provisions of the new law are violated by the same person twice, the punishment would constitute jail time. (Sputnik/NAN)