Latest sentences show Op Deter begins to bite on knife carriers
Since it’s launch earlier this year Op Deter has seen Thames Valley Police taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who carry knives on our streets. Seeking out and charging those who carry weapons - before they go on to commit other offences. This preventative approach seeks to take dangerous people off the streets and help to challenge the culture of knife carrying amongst some young people, hoping to deter others from risking lives.
We have begun to see tougher sentences being imposed on those found guilty of carry knives in Thames Valley, and this combined with a swift response from the police means that many are now finding themselves stopped, held overnight, in court the next day and beginning many months in prison.
Three recent examples show the impact of this zero tolerance approach:
Scott Zubiena, aged 27, from Bletchley was arrested on Saturday 3rd December and in front of Magistrates by Monday 5th December. He is now serving a six month sentence. Read more about this case….
Luke Thomas, aged 23, of no fixed abode was arrested by Thames Valley Police on Sunday 20th November. He pleaded guilty in court two days later and has been sentenced to eight months in prison. Read more about this case…
As recently as this week, Mohammed Rehman, aged 19, from Slough, was stopped by the police in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He appeared before magistrates in Reading the following day, Wednesday, and was sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence of six months. Read more about this case…
These results demonstrate that those who choice to carry knives in Thames Valley will feel the consequences.
