City with Most Stabbings UK 2025: Top 10 Dangerous Areas

If you live in the UK or spend time in its major cities, you’ve probably heard growing concerns about knife crime. It’s an issue that affects communities across the country, and it’s natural to wonder which places are seeing the worst of it.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 UK cities with the highest knife crime rates and look at what’s behind the numbers. Whether you’re worried about your own safety, looking out for family, or just curious, you’ll also find practical tips to stay safe, especially if you’re in or near the city with most stabbings UK statistics point to.

Top 10 UK Cities with the Highest Knife Crime Rates

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), knife crime continues to be a major concern in many of the UK’s largest urban areas. While rates vary from place to place, the numbers clearly show that some cities are experiencing much higher levels of knife-related violence than others.

If you’re wondering which is the city with most stabbings UK data points to, it’s still London by a significant margin. But several other major cities across England also report worryingly high rates.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 cities with the highest knife crime rates based on ONS data for the year ending December 2024:

Top 10 UK Cities by Knife Crime Rate (2024)

Data source: Office for National Statistics (ONS), Police Force Area Data Tables – year ending December 2024.

A Closer Look at Each City

1. London

The capital remains the city with most stabbings UK authorities have recorded, and by a wide margin. With 188 knife crimes per 100,000 people, London continues to face significant challenges despite major police initiatives. Knife-enabled robberies and assaults are particularly high in central and inner boroughs.

2. Birmingham

West Midlands Police recorded a knife crime rate of 156 per 100,000, putting Birmingham firmly in second place. Ongoing issues like gang violence and youth crime remain key concerns, especially in certain inner-city areas.

3. Middlesbrough

Cleveland’s force area, primarily covering Middlesbrough and its surroundings, saw 149 knife crimes per 100,000 people. The region often ranks high for overall violent crime, with knife offences driven in part by deprivation and limited local resources.

4. Manchester

Greater Manchester reported 117 knife crimes per 100,000. While some efforts have been made to target repeat offenders, the area still deals with high volumes of serious assaults and robberies involving knives.

5. Sheffield

South Yorkshire Police recorded 105 offences per 100,000, with Sheffield accounting for a large share. Knife-related incidents here are often linked to disputes among young people, particularly in specific neighbourhoods.

6. Leeds

West Yorkshire’s rate of 97 per 100,000 includes a large number of offences in Leeds. The city centre and areas around transport hubs see more frequent police patrols and occasional stop-and-search powers.

7. Bristol

With a rate of 88 per 100,000, Bristol stands out as the knife crime hotspot in the South West. While the city as a whole isn’t uniformly affected, certain urban districts see higher activity, especially late at night.

8. Hull

In Humberside, most knife offences are concentrated in and around Hull, giving the city a rate of 87 per 100,000. Youth violence and social media-driven disputes are common themes behind these figures.

9. Newcastle

Northumbria Police also recorded 87 knife crimes per 100,000. Newcastle sees a concentration of incidents around nightlife areas, particularly on weekends, where police often deploy knife arches and extra patrols.

10. Preston/Blackburn

Lancashire rounds out the top 10 with 86 knife crimes per 100,000. Most of these offences are reported in urban centres like Preston and Blackburn, with a mix of gang-related violence and opportunistic attacks.

👉 Related reading: Crime Rates in the UK by Postcode

Factors Influencing High Knife Crime Rates in These Cities

Knife crime in the UK is a complex issue influenced by various social, economic, and cultural factors. Understanding these underlying causes can help in developing effective strategies to address and reduce such incidents.

Socioeconomic Deprivation

Areas with high levels of poverty and unemployment often experience elevated rates of knife crime. Limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social services can lead individuals, especially youth, to engage in criminal activities as a means of survival or due to lack of alternatives.

Youth Disengagement and School Exclusion

Young people who are excluded from school or lack engagement in educational settings are more susceptible to involvement in knife-related offences. School exclusions can lead to reduced supervision and increased exposure to negative influences, making youth more vulnerable to criminal activities.

Gang Involvement and Drug Trade

Gang affiliation and participation in the illegal drug trade are prominent factors contributing to knife crime. Gangs often use knives as tools for intimidation, protection, and asserting control over territories. The competition and violence associated with drug markets further exacerbate the incidence of knife-related offences.

Social Media Influence

The rise of social media has played a role in escalating conflicts that lead to knife crime. Online platforms can amplify disputes, spread gang-related content, and facilitate the organization of violent encounters. The digital environment can thus contribute to the normalization and perpetuation of knife-related violence among youth.

Accessibility of Weapons

The ease of obtaining knives, including through online purchases, has increased the availability of weapons used in crimes. Despite regulations, the proliferation of knives, including those designed for combat or intimidation, has made it easier for individuals to arm themselves, leading to higher risks of violent incidents.

Mental Health and Support Services

Insufficient mental health support and the impact of adverse childhood experiences can lead individuals to engage in violent behaviour, including knife crime. Cuts to mental health services and lack of early intervention programs have been linked to an increase in violent offences. Addressing mental health issues is crucial in preventing such crimes.

Policing and Community Relations

The relationship between law enforcement and communities affects the effectiveness of policing strategies in preventing knife crime. Distrust in police, concerns over stop-and-search practices, and perceived discrimination can hinder cooperation and reporting of crimes.

Strategies for Enhancing Personal Safety in High-Risk Areas

Living in or travelling through areas with higher knife crime rates doesn’t mean you’re automatically at risk, but it does mean staying alert and taking sensible precautions. Below are practical strategies that can help you stay safe and feel more confident in high-risk environments.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Awareness is one of your best defences. Avoid distractions like looking down at your phone or wearing headphones at high volume, especially at night or in unfamiliar places. Keep an eye on what’s happening around you. This gives you time to spot and avoid potential threats early.

Plan Your Routes

When moving through areas known for higher crime rates, it helps to plan your journeys in advance. Stick to well-lit, busy streets, and avoid shortcuts through isolated alleys, parks, or underpasses after dark. If possible, travel with someone you trust or let someone know your estimated arrival time.

Trust Your Instincts

If a situation feels off, trust that feeling and act on it. Cross the road, change direction, or enter a shop or public place if you sense someone is acting suspiciously. You don’t need a reason to remove yourself from a situation that doesn’t feel right.

Be Mindful in Social Settings

Knife incidents often happen during arguments or confrontations, particularly in nightlife areas. Avoid getting involved in disputes, even as a bystander. If a situation is escalating, remove yourself calmly and quickly.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Visible phones, jewellery, or electronics can attract the wrong attention. Keep your belongings secure and avoid showing valuables in public, especially when walking alone. Use inside pockets or bags that close securely.

Know Where to Get Help

Familiarise yourself with nearby safe spaces, such as staffed train stations, public buildings, or well-known stores. These places are often monitored by security or CCTV and can be useful if you feel threatened or need to call for help.

Use Home Security Measures

Improving your personal safety doesn’t end when you walk through your front door. If you live in an area with higher levels of crime, securing your home can offer both practical protection and peace of mind. Consider these smart security techs:

Security cameras placed around your property can act as a strong deterrent. Visible cameras make it less likely that someone will target your home, especially in neighbourhoods where street crime or attempted break-ins are a concern. They also provide valuable footage if an incident does occur, helping both you and law enforcement identify suspects or patterns of behaviour.

Video doorbells have become increasingly popular because they let you see who’s at your door in real time, even when you’re not home. In high-risk areas, this can help you avoid unwanted encounters and monitor package theft or suspicious activity near your entrance. They also allow you to speak through the device remotely, which adds a layer of control and safety.

Alarm systems, particularly those with motion sensors and entry alerts, are designed to alert you—and potentially emergency services—if someone tries to break into your home. Many modern systems can notify you via your phone, so you’re aware of any unusual activity no matter where you are. They can also make a break-in attempt much riskier for the offender, increasing the chances they’ll be caught or scared off.

You don’t need an elaborate setup to make a difference. Even a basic combination of these tools can significantly reduce your exposure to risk and help you feel more in control of your environment, especially if you live alone, work late hours, or spend time away from home regularly.

Report Concerns to Authorities

If you witness suspicious behaviour or feel unsafe, report it to the police. Even small bits of information can help authorities identify patterns or take preventative action in your area. You can often do this anonymously.

Participate in Community Safety Movement

Community activism and neighborhood watches play a significant role in deterring knife crimes. Creating strong ties within a community builds trust and reduces opportunities for crimes to go unnoticed.

Conclusion

Knife crime is a serious issue, but understanding where it’s happening and why can help you stay aware and make smarter decisions. If you’re living in or visiting the city with most stabbings UK reports mention, whether that’s London, Birmingham, or Manchester, there are steps you can take to look after yourself and others. From staying alert to knowing which areas to avoid at certain times, small changes can make a big difference. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate city life with confidence.

FAQ

Which city in UK has the most crime?

London, especially the City of Westminster, constantly leads in crime reports per resident, partly due to its large daytime population and tourist density. For example, Westminster sees about 432 crimes per 1,000 people, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)’s data in the year to December 2024. This makes it the highest reported area.

Who is most likely to carry a knife in the UK?

Knife carriers are most often young males, particularly those aged between 12 and their early twenties. Many cite fear or peer pressure as reasons for carrying blades. Data from sentencing also shows that the majority of those caught are men.

How many people carry knives in the UK?

In the year to September 2024, there were around 27,945 recorded offences for “possession of an article with a blade or point” in England and Wales, about 20 % higher than before the pandemic. That equates to roughly 50,500 knife‑related crimes from April 2023 to March 2024.

What are the consequences of knife crime?

Knife crime in the UK carries serious consequences. Adults can face up to four years in prison, while young offenders aged 12 to 17 may receive detention training orders ranging from 4 to 24 months. Around 29% of knife possession cases result in immediate custody, with an average sentence of about 7.4 months, while others may receive suspended or community sentences.