Tories call for more stop-and-search powers amid 'epidemic' of youth violence

The Scottish Conservatives have called for police stop-and-search powers to be extended amid a “growing epidemic” of youth violence.

The Tories said there have been 13 alleged knife attacks on teenagers in recent months, two of which were fatal, and action is needed to prevent more young lives being “needlessly lost”.

The party also referenced recent comments by David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, who called for stop-and-search powers to be extended in an interview with the Daily Record newspaper.

Tory leader Russell Findlay said: “Decisive and prompt action must be taken to stop the growing epidemic of youth violence, especially involving knives.

“Stop-and-search powers need to be extended immediately while a fundamental rethink is required of the SNP’s weak approach which fails victims and fuels violence.

“(First Minister) John Swinney should listen to frontline officers who know how to get this crisis under control and prevent more young lives being needlessly lost.

“Tougher stop-and-search powers would help police to prevent violence, protect young people and keep the public safe.

“These powers are merited because this is a matter of life or death. The SNP need to act now to avoid more attacks and killings on Scotland’s streets.”

Findlay’s party criticised the Government’s current approach to the issue as “weak”, saying it is failing victims and fuelling violence.

It said that with “more serious crimes” being referred to the children’s panel rather than prosecuted in court, there are often “no consequences” for serious offenders.

Even when prosecutions do happen, the Tories said, sentencing guidelines mean those aged under 25 are “less likely” to be jailed.

Findlay continued: “In the longer term, John Swinney should show some common sense by recognising that his weak approach is sending a dangerous signal to young offenders.

“Too many young criminals think they can do whatever they want without any consequences for their actions, and it is usually other young people who pay the price.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Stop and search powers should be used where lawful, necessary and proportionate.

“Their use in individual cases is an operational matter for Police Scotland.

“Police do use stop and search, and it is one tool to tackle violence alongside a range of other measures such as prevention and education.”