The head of Scotland Yard’s violent crime taskforce has said he fears the easing of lockdown will lead to a rise in violence. As the lifting of lockdown happened over the last few months, the opportunity to commit crime is more prevalent. Knife crime offences are down by 24% compared with last year. Asked whether loosening lockdown restrictions or changes in drugs markets would be a bigger factor in triggering violence, Hill said: “It is a combination of both. Behind knife crime there are many different causes, particularly drugs markets.

Source: The Guardian June 13, 2021 14:56 UTC