Knife Crime Statistics: Understanding the Situation in Your Area
Recently, there has been a call from retailers to crack down on the online sale of “zombie-style” blades following a tragic incident in Southport. The Home Office has introduced guidelines for a surrender and compensation program that applies to certain knives and machetes with a serrated edge, set to commence this month. Retailers and the general public will have the opportunity to surrender these newly prohibited weapons and receive £10 in return.
The British Retailers Association (Bira) has emphasized the importance of responsible high street retailers in preventing the sale of knives, but has raised concerns about the ease of purchasing weapons online. This concern has been heightened by a recent attack on children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, allegedly carried out by a 17-year-old named Axel Rudakubana.
Knife crime rates in the UK have surged over the past decade, with over 51,000 serious offenses involving the use of a knife reported in the year leading up to March 2024. Although this number has remained steady compared to the previous year, it is almost double the figure reported in the year leading up to March 2014. Additionally, there were 27,500 cases of knife possession recorded last year, a 3% decrease from the year before but more than triple the number reported a decade ago.
In terms of geographical distribution, Birmingham has seen the highest number of offenders carrying blades, with a total of 5,880 offenses recorded in the past three years. This is followed by Manchester with 2,049 offenses and Sandwell in the Black Country with 1,295. Birmingham also leads in the rate of knife possession per 100,000 people, followed by Blackpool and Wolverhampton. Crawley in Sussex stands out with an unusually high rate of offenses, likely due to its proximity to Gatwick Airport.
The possession of most knives in public without a valid reason is illegal, although exceptions are made for work-related purposes, religious practices, or national costumes. However, certain knives, such as flick knives and zombie knives, are banned. The recent legislation has made it illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture zombie-style knives, which are similar to zombie knives but lack specific violent imagery or wording.
While efforts are being made to remove banned weapons from physical stores, concerns remain about the accessibility of knives online. Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre has urged the government to address the issue of online sales, emphasizing the need for consistent regulations across all retail platforms.
As we continue to navigate through these challenges, it is essential for both retailers and the public to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding knife possession and sales. By working together and advocating for stricter measures, we can strive towards creating safer communities for everyone.
