According to the latest Knife Crime Statistics UK, the number of offences has started to fall, but knife crime remains a serious issue across the country. It affects not only big cities but also smaller towns and local communities. Between March 2024 and March 2025, more than 53,000 knife-related crimes were recorded across England.
So, which areas are most affected? Who is most at risk? And how can you stay safe?
In this guide, we’ll explore the latest knife crime trends, the groups most affected, the high-risk areas, and some practical ways to protect yourself. Read on!
The Latest UK Knife Crime Statistics at a Glance
According to new knife crime UK statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), police recorded 53,047 knife or sharp instrument offences in the year ending March 2025 — a 1% drop from 53,685 in 2024 and a 4% decrease from 55,170 in 2020. This shows a steady decline over the past few years.
Crime Type Breakdown:
- Most cases are assaults causing injury or intent to cause harm (43%) and robberies (42%).
- Homicides are rare, making up less than 1% (0.4%) of knife crimes.
- Knife-related killings fell by 23%, down to 204 cases.
While the numbers are improving, knife crime still affects many communities. Simple actions can help a lot. Installing outdoor security cameras lets you keep an eye on your doorstep, spot suspicious movement quickly, and deter trouble before it happens. It’s an easy step that helps protect your home and family.
Who Is Most Affected by Knife Crime?
Knife crime does not affect everyone equally. Some groups face higher risks than others. Here’s a closer look:
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Students and School-Age Young People
Young people are the most at risk. Many knife incidents happen on the way to or from school or close to school grounds. Some students carry knives because of peer pressure, arguments, or fear of being attacked.
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Urban Area Residents
Those living in large cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham face a higher risk, especially in busy city areas or poorer neighbourhoods.
If you live in such areas, installing video doorbells can help improve home safety. It lets you see and speak to visitors without opening the door, adding a simple layer of protection.
The eufy Video Doorbell E340 is a good example. Its dual-camera design shows both the visitor and the area where parcels are left, helping you check who’s outside before answering and reducing the risk of unwanted encounters or harm.
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Minority Ethnic Groups
Some young people from minority backgrounds face extra risks because they may have less access to community support or resources. This can leave them more exposed to knife crime.
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Gang-Involved Individuals
Those linked to street gangs are among the highest-risk groups. Many knife crimes happen due to gang conflicts or revenge attacks, putting these individuals in constant danger.
Where in the UK Is Knife Crime Happening Most?
Knife crime is most common in busy urban areas across the UK, where large populations and nightlife increase risks. Let’s take a closer look at the regions most affected.
- London
London has a serious knife crime rate of 17.89 per 10,000 people, totalling 15,859 incidents
- Robbery offences: 11.07 per 10,000 people, the highest rate in the UK
- Homicides: 0.07 per 10,000 people, ranking third
- Cleveland
Cleveland ranks second with 14.02 knife crimes per 10,000 people
- Assault with injury: 8.61 per 10,000 people, the highest nationally
- Homicides: 0.09 per 10,000 people, surpassing London for first place
- Robbery offences: 4.28 per 10,000 people, ranking second
- South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire ranks third with 10.72 knife crimes per 10,000 people
- Attempted murder: 0.14 per 10,000 people
- Assault with injury: 5.19 per 10,000 people
- Robbery offences: 4.27 per 10,000 people
How Is the Government Responding to Knife Crime?
Faced with the serious situation reflected in statistics on knife crime UK, what measures is the government implementing? Let's examine them together.
- Tighter Control on Online Knife Sales: Buyers now need to go through double identity checks when buying and receiving knives. Deliveries can no longer be sent to lockers or neighbours.
- Bulk Purchase Reporting: If one person buys six or more knives within 30 days, the seller must report it to the police. This helps prevent stockpiling or illegal resale.
- Accountability for Online Platforms: Online platforms must remove illegal knife listings within 48 hours. Companies that fail to act can be fined up to £60,000, and individual managers can face fines up to £10,000.
- Stronger Police Powers: Police can now confiscate knives suspected of being kept for violent use, even in private homes. Those found with a knife with the intent to commit a crime can face up to 4 years in prison.
- Harsher Penalties: The maximum sentence for several knife-related crimes has increased from 6 months to 2 years, and more serious cases can now be heard in the Crown Court.
What Can You Do as an Individual?
Although knife crime in the UK statistics shows improvement compared to previous years, risks remain, and we must stay vigilant. These straightforward measures can help you better protect yourself and your family.
- Enhance Safety Awareness: Remain alert to your surroundings and avoid travelling alone to high-risk areas at night.
- Plan Safe Routes: Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid shortcuts through isolated alleyways, parks, or underpasses after dark.
- Carry Safety Equipment: Whilst carrying weapons is not recommended, consider legal personal protection devices such as personal alarms.
- Strengthen Community Connections: Build good relationships with neighbours and establish mutual monitoring networks. Participate in community safety programmes and neighbourhood watch schemes.
- Seek Professional Help: If you or someone you know faces threats or is already involved in criminal activity, seek help from police or professional organisations promptly.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report suspicious activity to authorities in a timely manner; do not attempt to handle dangerous situations alone.
- Use Outdoor Security Cameras: Outdoor cameras can help you spot danger early and deter trespassers. The eufyCam S4 includes a 105 dB siren and red-blue warning lights that trigger when something suspicious is detected, helping scare off potential intruders.
- Improve Indoor Security: If you’re away from home while kids or pets are inside, an indoor camera adds extra protection. The eufy Indoor Cam S350 provides 360° coverage, AI smart alerts, and 4K video quality, letting you check your home in real time.
- Consider a Complete Security Setup: For those living in higher-risk areas, a full system offers better coverage. The NVR CCTV System S4 Max supports AI recognition, cross-camera tracking, and built-in warning lights, helping monitor every corner of your property and keeping your home secure day and night.
Conclusion
While knife crime statistics UK show a slow decline, safety risks are still present. Along with staying alert, planning safe routes, and avoiding walking alone at night, using a smart security system is one of the best ways to stay protected.
Systems such as the eufy security camera range provide 24/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and AI detection features that help you spot unusual activity quickly. These tools add another layer of safety, keeping your home and family more secure every day.
FAQs
Where is the highest knife crime rate in the UK?
The area with the highest knife crime rate in the UK is London, recording about 17.89 serious knife crimes per 10,000 people. Cleveland comes next with around 14.02 per 10,000, followed by South Yorkshire at 10.72 per 10,000. Other large cities, including Birmingham and Manchester, also have higher knife crime rates compared to smaller towns and rural areas.
Who is most likely to carry a knife in the UK?
In the UK, certain groups are more likely to carry knives than others:
- Young people and students, especially during school journeys or near school grounds.
- Residents of large cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham, where knife crime rates are higher.
- Young people from minority backgrounds who may face social or economic challenges.
- People living in disadvantaged areas with limited access to support or community resources.
- Those connected to street gangs, often due to peer pressure, protection, or involvement in local conflicts.
How many people were killed with knives in the UK last year?
In the year ending September 2024, about 228 people were killed with knives in England and Wales. This is a drop from roughly 264 the year before, showing a small but steady improvement. Even so, every life lost is a tragedy, and these numbers remind us how serious knife violence still is in many parts of the country.
Has knife crime reduced in the UK?
Yes, knife crime in England has fallen by about 8% over the past five years. Some areas are getting safer, while others still face problems. Serious cases like knife killings have dropped more, but people caught carrying knives remain high in many places.
