Knife crime across England and Wales has fallen sharply, with knife homicides down by 27%, according to new figures released as the Government launched its long‑term plan to halve knife crime within the next decade.
Over the same period, knife‑point robberies have fallen by 10%, while hospital admissions for stabbings are down by 11%, marking sustained progress in efforts to reduce serious violence and protect communities.
Since the general election, enforcement measures and nationwide surrender schemes have resulted in 57,726 knives and weapons being handed in, following bans on zombie‑style knives, machetes and ninja swords.
Further action at the border and on UK streets has also led to thousands of weapons being seized. 4,656 knives were seized by Border Force, whilst a further 1,229 knives were removed by police through operations under the County Lines Programme.
These seizures are designed to disrupt organised crime, protect vulnerable young people and prevent weapons from reaching communities.
The figures were published as the Government launched its national strategy, “Protecting Lives, Building Hope”, which commits to halving knife crime over the next ten years.
The strategy sets out a three‑pronged approach to tackling knife crime:
- Supporting young people to give them the best possible start in life
- Intervening early to prevent those at risk from being drawn into violence
- Policing streets effectively, ensuring perpetrators are caught and punished
The plan aims not only to reduce crime but also to transform life chances, protect victims and support safer communities nationwide.
The Government’s action on knife crime also follows the campaigning work of Pooja Kanda, whose son Ronan was fatally stabbed in 2022 with a ninja sword purchased online.
Since her son’s death, Ms Kanda has led calls for tighter controls on the sale of knives online, highlighting the ease with which dangerous weapons could previously be obtained.
In response, Ronan’s Law has been introduced through the Crime and Policing Bill, bringing in stricter safeguards around online knife sales.
The new measures include:
- A mandatory two‑stage age verification system at the point of purchase and delivery
- A requirement for retailers to report bulk knife purchases to law enforcement
These changes aim to prevent knives from falling into the wrong hands and increase accountability across online marketplaces.
Further provisions in the Crime and Policing Bill will introduce:
- A new offence of possession of a knife with intent to commit unlawful violence, including possession in private
- New police powers to seize knives believed to be intended for violent use
The measures are designed to strengthen early intervention, allow police action before violence occurs, and ensure tougher consequences for those who carry weapons.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones commented:
“Knife crime ruins lives, devastates families and damages communities. It is why we are determined to rid our streets of these dangerous weapons.
“The government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.
“We will deploy successful surrender schemes and strict online sales, as well as giving young people the support they need to get knives off our streets.”
By combining tougher laws, targeted policing and early support for young people, the “Protecting Lives, Building Hope” strategy aims to deliver long‑term reductions in knife crime and ensure communities across the country are safer.
Image credit: iStock
