Philip Davies MP wants to see more stop and searches carried out by West Yorkshire Police to tackle the ongoing problem of knife crime.
Shipley MP Philip Davies said the move could act as a deterrent to those thinking they can get away with carrying a knife.
He is set to raise the issue with West Yorkshire Chief Constable John Robins.
Sir Philip said: “What is clear is that we are seeing a rise in knife crime and something needs to be done about it. If more stop and searches are needed as a preventative measure or to send out a message that there is a high chance of stop and search and charges being brought, then I believe it should happen. If people are not doing anything wrong, they have nothing to fear from this.”
An investigation earlier this year by Personal Injury Claims UK found a worrying rise in numbers of young people being victims or suspects of crimes involving zombie knives and machetes. The number of zombie knife crimes across West Yorkshire has jumped by 32 per cent in the last three years alone, with the highest figures recorded last year, 2023, according to the study.
Government has legislated to close the loophole surrounding the sale of zombie knives and machetes. Amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill raise the maximum sentence for the possession of banned weapons from six months to two years and give police the power to seize and destroy knives found in homes if there is a strong suspicion they will be used for serious crimes.
Sir Philip said: “Increasing numbers of constituents are telling me they are concerned about knife crime - particularly in the centre of Bradford - and want to see more robust policing on this issue. Residents tell me they think some parts of Bradford are no-go areas because they don’t feel safe.”
In the last five years, West Yorkshire Police have made more than 10,000 knife-crime related arrests and confiscated more than 2.500 bladed articles.
West Yorkshire Police previously said they want residents to help in the fight against knife crime and take "personal responsibility" by reporting anyone they know to be carrying a weapon.
