Knife robberies fall by over fifth in key areas in England, Wales: Home Office

LONDON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Knife-enabled robberies in seven high-volume areas in England and Wales have fallen by 21 percent since June 2024, the British Home Office said on Wednesday.

According to new Home Office data, offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer cases of robbery involving knives.

The biggest percentage falls were reported by West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down 39 percent, while the Metropolitan Police recorded a 17 percent decrease.

The Home Office said the fall followed a period in which knife robberies had been rising, adding that coordinated national leadership and closer cooperation with police forces had helped "turn the tide."

Knife crime has been a persistent public concern in Britain in recent years, particularly in major urban areas, where violent attacks involving knives have affected public perceptions of safety. The issue has also prompted wider debate over youth violence, policing, prevention and the availability of weapons.

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said the results showed what could be achieved through "a clear focus" on tackling knife crime together with police, frontline workers and grassroots partners. She said the government would seek to build on the progress through tougher enforcement as well as early intervention and prevention.

The Home Office said the Knife-Enabled Robbery Group, set up in October 2024, had helped police forces make better use of intelligence and analysis, identify crime patterns earlier, strengthen investigations through technology such as CCTV, and target repeat and high-harm offenders in hotspot areas. Enditem