Writing in this week's Redditch Standard (September 1st), Rachel said:
"Keeping our streets safe is a top priority for me and for this Government.
That is why we are cracking down on machetes and zombie-style knives by banning these weapons and getting them off our streets.
One life lost to knife crime is one too many, and we must do all we can to stop the vile thugs who carry weapons to intimidate others and endanger innocent lives.
And we are. These weapons – which are designed to look threatening but have no practical use – will be made illegal and sentences for sale and possession will be strengthened. Our brave police will also be given new powers to seize and destroy knives found on private premises.
Earlier this year I met with our local policing inspector Rich Field and anti-knife campaigner Pete Martin to discuss what more can be done to tackle knife crime in Redditch.
We all agreed that we need to get zombie-style knives off our streets, so I'm pleased to see the Government has announced this ban.
What will also help in our work to reduce knife crime and to keep our streets safe is the fact that police officer numbers are at their highest level in West Mercia Police’s history.
These steps we’re taking will reduce the number of attacks and punish the criminals who use and sell these dangerous weapons, make our communities safer and ensure our town remains a safe place to live."
