HAMPSHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner has hit back at claims that an increase in knife crime is due to fewer police on the streets.

Commissioner Donna Jones has said the rise in knife crime is not the fault of the police and that it is a societal issue, often starting with teenagers connected to drugs.

She made the comments after claims by Safer City boss for Southampton, Matt Renyard claimed cuts were to blame for a recent increase.

Ms Jones added: "Parents and education partners are key to preventing this and drumming home the illegality and danger.

READ MORE: Policing cuts blamed for rising knife crime in Southampton

"Hampshire Constabulary has an excellent track record of tackling knife crimes and prevents hundreds of injuries and also deaths per year.

"Southampton has seen the biggest increase in police officer numbers as the largest conurbation in the county over the last two years.

"As Police Commissioner I'm committed to tackling knife crime, with it being one of the top priorities in the strategic policing requirements I set last year: more police, safer streets and tougher sentences."

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