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More needs to be done to tackle the root of violent crime, a police chief has claimed.West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson was speaking as the government backed a campaign by the Express & Star and Mr Jamieson to ban the possession of zombie knives as part of the Home Office’s Serious Violence Strategy.
But the PCC said more still needs to be done, and called for police forces to be given the resources to tackle the root cause of violent crime.
He said: “I am pleased that my campaign to ban the possession of these vile weapons has been successful, but the government needs to go further still and ensure that other weapons with no practical use other than to harm people such as zombie crossbows and other dangerous weapons are banned also.
“In the last month the Home Office told me they had no intention of banning so-called zombie crossbows.”
He added: “I am investing an extra £2 million from my budget to tackle the root causes of violence.
“I hope as part of the government’s strategy there is also real action and additional financial support for areas such as the West Midlands.
“We need more than just warm words and law changes to end the violence on our streets.
“We need additional resources for police forces and resources to support projects tackling the root causes of violent crime.”
Mr Jamieson met with Home Secretary Amber Rudd in Westminster last month to ask the government to match the millions of pounds he has put forward for a two-year scheme to tackle violence and gangs.
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