KNIFE crime is not a problem in West Yorkshire and accounts for under 1% of all violent crime.

Police chiefs say knife crime – which has had massive publicity in London – is not an issue in this county, but have revealed that plans are underway to ensure levels continue to stay low.

New confidential knife crime reporting lines, more work in schools and improved systems to stop knives being sold to underage youngsters are among proposals being considered.

In West Yorkshire knife crime rates remain well below those of other large urban forces.

They have also been largely static with crimes involving knives making up less than 1% of violent crime over the last few years.

David Evans, Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing, said: “The force recognises that one crime involving a knife is one too many and is currently working to proactively identify suspects who are believed to be illegally carrying knives.

“As a major urban conurbation, West Yorkshire does suffer from some of the same crime issues as other large population areas but whilst troubling, knife crime is not as significant here as other places.

“As a force we are determined to make sure knife crime remains low and have been working on plans for a number of new proactive and deterrent measures.

“These measures are intended to reassure the public and ensure we do not develop a problem.”

Measures now currently in the planning stages include:

New knife crime prevention initiatives in schools to stress the dangers of knives among young people.

A new confidential knife reporting service via Crimestoppers.

Closer work with hospital casualty departments to get anonymous information to help provide police with a clearer picture of knife injuries.

More stop and searches for knives in areas where assaults have taken place to deter people from carrying knives.

A new knife-related Responsible Retailer scheme to be developed in conjunction with Trading Standards officers to stop knives being sold to underage youngsters. This would take a similar approach to catching retailers who sell booze to underage youngsters and teenagers will be used by the police to go into shops and try to buy a knife.

Assistant Chief Constable Evans added: “We believe the public understand that tackling the issues of knives is not just a matter for the police.

“Any sensible response must include the involvement of parents, schools and other partner agencies.”