Knife arches not the answer to stopping crime

A licensee whose pub was twice targeted by armed robbers has said knife arches are not the answer to cutting crime.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled plans to provide police forces with 100 portable knife arches and 400 search wands. Officers will be able to use them at pubs, clubs and schools to try and catch people carrying weapons.

Two weeks ago Martin Hughes took over as licensee of the Millgate, in Failsworth near Manchester. Before Christmas robbers armed with knives twice raided the pub.

But he does not believe the metal-detecting arches would have solved the problem.

He said: "I don't think it would be good for pubs because it would deter customers.

"I would prefer to see more police on patrols in the area - that is what would put criminals off.

"The incidents here did affect passing trade but the locals are defiant that we will not let them win."

A Home Office spokeswoman told The Publican​ it would be up to local police forces and councils to decide where to implement the arches.

Camden police in North London already has a portable arch that it uses across the borough.

Inspector in charge licensing David Nasmyth-Miller said it has been put at the entrance of various venues.

"We use it with the support of pubs and clubs and leave it with them. You do not expect to find lots of things because people realise they have to go through it. But it is another tool for us."

The Home Secretary's report into tackling violent crime also said that pubs with bad reputations will be banned from serving drinks in glasses.

It stated: "There is an expectation that such premises will move to a safer alternative to glass such as polycarbonate."