The number of offences in which a knife was involved during the year 2007/08 was 35. The figure for the previous year was 16.

SDLP South Antrim MLA and local councillor Thomas Burns said he was alarmed by the statistics.

He said: "This data is very disturbing. It does seem that more and more young people are carrying knives these days. This culture of carrying bladed weapons for 'self-defence' seems to have become part of the everyday mindset of many people.

"Some see a knife as a status symbol or something that can protect them, but this is obviously not the case. The number of knife attacks which result in serious injuries and fatalities tell us that knives are not a tool of protection, but a deadly weapon."

He added: "The community has a role to play in the prevention of this crime. The message needs to be reinforced at home and in schools that carrying a knife does not make a person safer - it puts them in more danger.

"We also need to see greater co-operation between Westminster and the Assembly. It is obvious that the only way we can tackle this is through a united front involving the community, local politicians and lawmakers at a national level.

"The devolution of policing and justice is necessary to complete a joined-up approach to reducing knife crime. This is the missing piece of the puzzle. Once this is in place the PSNI can work with the Department of Education to tackle the problem head-on, but they must be backed by stronger legislation which really punishes offenders."
The figures, from the PSNI's statistics unit relate to offences where a knife was involved in the incident - it is not known how the knife was actually used.

While there was a marked increase from last year, the figure for the Antrim area had previously spiked to 35 in 2004/05 and stood at 31 in 2005/06.

However, recent events in London have brought knife crime and its implications to the forefront of local politicians' minds.

DUP Cllr and Chairperson of Antrim DPP Pam Lewis has said that figures detailing the extent of knife crime in Northern Ireland are extremely worrying.

She added:"The facts show that over the course of the last 5 years, over 450 young people under the age of 18 have been the victims of knife crime. Unfortunately the numbers of victims each year appear to be on the rise. In 06/07 there were 260 victims of knife crime. Last year this number rose to 423. It is time to put a stop to this worrying trend of increased knife crime in Northern Ireland, and steps must be taken to ensure that this happens.

"What is particular alarming is the figures for Antrim. The number of crimes in which a knife has been involved has dramatically increased on last year. It stands at 35 for 2007/08, as opposed to 16 the previous year. Well over 100% increase.

"I have no doubt that the vast majority of these young people attacked with knives were targeted by people of a similar age to themselves. It can't be right that a young person can walk into a shop and purchase a blade up to 10 or 12 inches in length.

"No person could have a legitimate reason for wanting to own such an offensive weapon and I welcome the news that the new Criminal Justice Order will mean that knives can no longer be sold to under-18s. Almost a third of victims of knife crime are under 18 and I hope that the new CJO will help to greatly reduce this figure.

"We also need better education for young people regarding knives and we need to convey to them the fact that by carrying a knife you are in fact more likely to be a victim of knife crime. The notion that you are safer by carrying a knife needs to be rubbished as it is simply not true.

"Last year the PSNI in conjunction with other agencies had a 3 week knife amnesty along with an education package introduced to post primary schools across Northern Ireland and officers were specially trained to deliver awareness classes. A lesson plan and accompanying material was also made available for teachers. In the light of these recent figures it is now time for that campaign to be reintroduced.

"I have written to Chief Superintendent Henry Irvine about this issue as it is something that must be given urgent attention," said Cllr Lewis.