Calls for stop and search powers increase amid youth violence ‘epidemic'

Daily Record

25-05-2025

The calls have been made in wake of 16-year-old Kayden Moy's tragic death last weekend.
The Scottish Tories have called for police stop-and-search powers to be extended amid a 'growing epidemic' of youth violence.
The Conservatives made the call as they said there have been 13 alleged knife attacks on teenagers in recent months, two of which were fata. The party also referenced recent comments by David Kennedy in the Daily Record earlier this week as part of its youth violence campaign, Our Kids ... Our Future.
Kennedy, the general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, demanded "more power to save lives" in the wake of 16-year-old Kayden Moy's tragic death l ast weekend.
"The tragic stabbing of a 16-year-old is yet another stark reminder of the growing threat of youth violence on our streets.
"Police officers across Scotland are working tirelessly to keep the public safe, but we are operating with one hand tied behind our backs. Current stop and search powers do not go far enough to tackle the rise in young people carrying weapons.
"It has become increasingly difficult for police to deal with under 16s due to laws that were introduced to protect children and young people but, in fact, it does the opposite because police are left with their hands tied.
"We have to be able to conduct stop and searches and do that no matter what age they are. As it stands, you need to have reasonable cause to do so and that will be difficult to establish when it comes to youths.
"Youths are getting away with a lot in terms of crime nowadays and we urgently require new, robust legislation that empowers officers to act decisively and prevent violence before it happens.
"The law must evolve to reflect the reality our officers face every day."
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.'
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Mr Findlay's party 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.
Mr 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.
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'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.'
The Record launched Our Kids ... Our Future in February 2023 after we reported on a concerning series of attacks on children across the country.
As part of the campaign, we have demanded the Scottish Government to invest in young people so they can be mentored, guided and nurtured in every community.