The Rising Tide of Knife Crime in the UK and Efforts to Combat It

Knife crime in the UK has been on the rise over the past few years, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

We have seen recently how shocking knife crime can be with high profile cases like Southport, and Sheffield to name just two of the many knife crime incidents that occur on a weekly basis.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that there were 49,489 knife-related offences recorded by police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2023—an increase of 7% from the previous year. This surge follows a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, but figures have since rebounded to near-record levels. In London alone, the Metropolitan Police recorded over 14,000 knife-related crimes in 2023, with significant rises in other major cities like Birmingham and Manchester (ONS, 2024).

Youth involvement in knife crime remains a critical concern. According to the Ministry of Justice, nearly 20% of all knife crime offenders in 2023 were under the age of 18. Tragically, knife-related homicides also increased, with over 280 fatal stabbings recorded in England and Wales in 2023, making it one of the deadliest years on record (BBC, 2024).

Government Initiatives to Tackle Knife Crime

Recognising the severity of the crisis, the UK government has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing knife crime, particularly among young people. Some of the key strategies include:

1. Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs) – Introduced in 2023, these orders give police greater stop-and-search powers against individuals previously convicted of carrying a knife. This controversial measure has been both praised for its deterrent effect and criticised for concerns over potential racial profiling (Gov.uk, 2024).
2. Tougher Sentences – The government has increased sentencing for those caught carrying knives, with a minimum six-month custodial sentence for repeat offenders. However, critics argue that harsher sentences alone do not address the root causes of knife crime, such as poverty and social exclusion.
3. Operation Sceptre – This nationwide initiative, conducted bi-annually, involves intensive police crackdowns on knife possession. During the November 2023 operation, over 3,500 knives were seized, and 1,200 arrests were made across England and Wales (The Guardian, 2024).
4. Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) – Established in 18 police force areas, VRUs adopt a public health approach to violence, working with schools, youth services, and community groups to prevent knife crime before it happens. While VRUs have been credited with reducing youth violence in some regions, their effectiveness has been inconsistent due to funding limitations and varying levels of community engagement (Independent, 2024).
5. The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 – This legislation made it illegal to possess certain types of knives and blades, including zombie knives and knuckledusters. While this has removed some weapons from circulation, the law’s impact has been undermined by the ease of purchasing knives online.

Despite these efforts, the overall impact of government initiatives has been mixed. While some regions have seen minor reductions in knife-related violence, national figures remain stubbornly high. Critics argue that more emphasis should be placed on prevention rather than punitive measures alone.

How Knife Crime Matters is Making a Difference

Knife Crime Matters (KCM) is taking a proactive approach to tackling knife crime. We are a non-profit initiative that works to prevent knife-related violence through education, mentorship, and community collaboration. By focusing on the root causes of knife crime, KCM aims to steer young people away from violence and towards positive futures.

Key Programmes Offered by KCM:

1. Educational Workshops – KCM delivers hard-hitting workshops in schools, colleges, and youth clubs, highlighting the dangers of carrying knives and the impact of knife crime on victims, families, and communities. These sessions often feature real-life testimonies from ex-offenders and bereaved families.
2. Partnerships with Local Authorities – KCM collaborates with local councils, police forces, and charities to create community-led solutions to knife crime. These partnerships help develop outreach programmes and improve access to youth services.
3. Raising Public Awareness – Through social media campaigns, community events, and public speaking engagements, KCM strives to change perceptions around knife carrying. By debunking the myth that carrying a knife offers protection, the organisation encourages young people to make safer choices.
4. Engaging Murals – Through the use of murals, placed prominently in high footfall areas and/or locations centred around youth activities KCM and local children are able to design and create powerful murals which help in addressing and preventing knife crime.

The Importance of Prevention

While law enforcement plays a crucial role in tackling knife crime, prevention remains the most effective long-term solution. Organisations like Knife Crime Matters demonstrate that education, and community engagement can significantly reduce the risk of young people becoming involved in violent crime. Government policies must complement these grassroots efforts by investing in youth services, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring that all young people have access to safe and supportive environments.

The rising levels of knife crime in the UK present a serious challenge, but with continued collaboration between law enforcement, community organisations, and policymakers, it is possible to reverse this trend. By prioritising early intervention and supporting initiatives like Knife Crime Matters, we can work towards a future where fewer lives are lost to knife-related violence.