Co-op limits knife sales in response to rising crime | Business

The Cooperative supermarket has stopped selling kitchen knives in response to the increase in the number of its crimes committed in recent years.

Steve Murrells, general manager of the cooperative, said the sale of simple knives was stopped about three weeks ago.

"We launched our campaign for safer and safer colleagues in the community to improve the safety of colleagues and identify the causes of crime in the community. This allowed us to remove kitchen knives from our stores, "he said.

The increase in the number of deadly stabbing has prompted the government to take action, including controversial projects to involve teachers in prevention, while facilitating for the police the arrest and search people.

The move is a follow-up to Asda, which announced last month the removal of kitchen knives from its stores. Simple knives are most often stolen from stores, said Asda.

Between March 2017 and March 2018, there were 285 knife and sharp instrument killings in England and Wales – the highest number since the Home Office archives began in 1946. This number has increased four times consecutive years after a long-term decline.

According to Guardian's badysis of official statistics, the increase in the number of crimes committed with knives was particularly marked in areas outside London.

In March, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced additional funding of £ 100 million for police forces in England and Wales over the next year to pay for hours. additional extra money specifically targeted on "stabbing" crimes.