Knife crime continues to be a serious issue in many parts of the UK. From street incidents to confrontations in schools, individuals, ranging from young students to organised groups carry knives, contributing to a growing cycle of violence. Over the past decade, knife-related incidents have risen by a significant 81%, and despite ongoing police initiatives, the number of knife attacks has only continued to rise.
The biggest and most crucial areas are schools where students are carrying knives. Educational settings, ideally safe spaces for learning, sometimes become scenes of violence or intimidation. The mere risk of a hidden knife in a student’s bag or coat leaves both staff and students feeling less secure. Want to learn more about knife crime in UK schools? Check out our full article for a detailed breakdown. Check it out here.
The Ben Kinsella Trust recently reported that in the last year alone, 78 young people under the age of 25 lost their lives to knife violence, with 10 of these victims being younger than 16. These troubling statistics highlight the urgent need to address knife presence in schools and raise questions about the safety of children in educational institutions.
In this article, we’ll look into the UK’s most affected regions when it comes to knife crime. Starting with a general overview, we’ll rank the top 25 areas with the highest rates of knife-related offences. Finally, we’ll explore recent trends, showing regions where incidents are rising or falling, to keep you updated on this pressing issue.
Knife Crime Statistics across the UK
Across England and Wales, authorities reported 48,716 knife-related offences in the past year. This translates to about 7.9 incidents per 10,000 residents. While knife crime is not as widespread as other types of offences, it has a particularly profound impact on communities due to its serious and often violent nature.
The majority of these incidents involve assault and robbery, which account for 44.8% and 41.3% of knife crimes, respectively. Another 11.3% involve threats made with a knife. Though less common, severe offences like sexual assault, homicide, and attempted murder make up around 2.6% of reported knife crimes.
Knife crime is a serious matter, and with its potential for devastating outcomes, it deserves focused attention from both authorities and the public.
The 25 Worst Knife Crime Hotspots in the UK
1- West Midlands
Knife Crime Rate: 17.7 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 5,239 (5% increase)
West Midlands has the highest crime rate in the whole United Kingdom. With 17.7 incidents per 10,000 population, this densely populated area saw over 5,200 knife-related offences, a 5% rise from last year. This makes the West Midlands the most affected region in England and Wales for knife crime, underscoring an urgent need for effective intervention.
2- Cleveland
Knife Crime Rate: 17.0 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 920 (10% increase)
The Cleveland area, which includes parts of North Yorkshire and Durham, faces one of the highest knife crime rates in the country. With 17 incidents per 10,000 population and a 10% rise since last year, Cleveland’s smaller population experiences a disproportionately high level of knife crime, creating significant concerns for community safety.
3- London
Knife Crime Rate: 15.6 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 13,957 (22% increase)
As the UK’s capital, London naturally has a large volume of knife crime, partly due to its dense population. However, the rate of 15.6 per 10,000 population, along with a sharp 22% rise in incidents, highlights the scale of the issue within the city, where nearly 14,000 knife-related crimes were reported in the past year alone.
Click here to read the complete article related to the crime rates and the most dangerous areas of London and analyse whether it is safe or not to move there.
4- South Yorkshire
Knife Crime Rate: 11.7 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,629 (no change)
South Yorkshire, home to urban centres like Sheffield, Rotherham, and Doncaster, continues to have a high knife crime rate. Despite no change from the previous year, the rate remains troublingly high at 11.7 incidents per 10,000 population, indicating that knife crime is a persistent issue in this area.
5- West Yorkshire
Knife Crime Rate: 10.0 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 2,373 (1% increase)
West Yorkshire, which includes cities such as Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, and Halifax, has a significant knife crime rate, with one offence for every 1,000 population. This area has recently seen a slight increase of 1% in knife-related offences, emphasising the need for ongoing attention to address this concern.
Moving to Leeds but not sure which area to choose? Here is the article on the most dangerous areas in West Yorkshire. Just make sure to avoid these areas no matter if it’s work or living related.
6- Humberside
Knife Crime Rate: 9.9 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 853 (1% increase)
Covering the East Riding of Yorkshire, including Kingston upon Hull, Humberside has seen a slight rise in knife crime. With nearly 10 incidents per 10,000 population, the area recorded 853 cases last year, showing a 1% increase, which highlights an ongoing need for effective preventive measures.
7- Merseyside
Rate: 8.8 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,276 (14% decrease)
With Liverpool as its primary city, Merseyside also includes towns like Southport and St. Helens. The region has had high rates of knife crime but recently recorded a decrease of 14%, bringing the total incidents down to 1,276. This reduction is the result of both the law authorities and residents of Merseyside.
8- Essex
Knife Crime Rate: 8.5 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,575 (4% decrease)
Bordering London, Essex struggles with a knife crime rate of 8.5 per 10,000 population. While the county reported 1,575 knife-related offences, a 4% decline suggests that measures to reduce crime may be starting to have an effect.
9- Bedfordshire
Knife Crime Rate: 8.0 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 545 (6% decrease)
Despite being a relatively rural area, Bedfordshire, spanning from Luton in the south to northern parts of the county faces a knife crime rate similar to that of Avon & Somerset. However, with a 6% drop in incidents, totalling 545, the area has shown some promising signs of improvement.
10- Avon & Somerset
Knife Crime Rate: 8.0 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,368 (14% increase)
Covering cities such as Bristol and Bath along with parts of Gloucestershire, Avon & Somerset has seen a substantial rise in knife crime. With a rate of 8.0 incidents per 10,000 population, the area recorded a total of 1,368 incidents over the past year, marking a significant 14% increase from previous figures.
11- Northumbria
Knife Crime Rate: 7.8 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,135 (11% increase)
Despite its rural landscape, Northumbria has seen a concerning rise in knife crime, with a rate of 7.8 per 10,000 population and 1,135 incidents. This marks an 11% increase, highlighting the need for continued focus on reducing crime in the area.
12- Leicestershire
Knife Crime Rate: 7.6 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 808 (18% decrease)
Centred around the city of Leicester, Leicestershire’s knife crime rate stands at 7.6 per 10,000 population, with a total of 808 incidents. The area reported an 18% decline in knife crimes, suggesting progress in community safety efforts.
13- Northamptonshire
Knife Crime Rate: 7.3 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 552 (18% decrease)
The overall crime rate in Northamptonshire as per the most recent and fresh batch of data is 7.3 per 10,000 population. With 552 incidents in the past year, the area saw an 18% decrease, offering some relief and a sense of optimism to residents.
14- Sussex
Knife Crime Rate: 7.3 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,030 (8% increase)
Covering both West and East Sussex, including towns like Hastings and Eastbourne, Sussex has recorded 1,030 knife-related incidents, with a rate of 7.3 per 10,000 population. The area has seen an 8% rise in incidents, adding to community concerns about knife violence.
15- Derbyshire
Knife Crime Rate: 7.3 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 768 (15% increase)
Derbyshire, encompassing most of the Peak District, has experienced a troubling rise in knife crime, with a rate of 7.3 per 10,000 population. The increase of 15% over the past year, totalling 768 incidents, marks one of the fastest-growing trends in the UK.
16- Nottinghamshire
Knife Crime Rate: 7.0 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 819 (3% decrease)
Known for its legendary tales of Robin Hood, Nottinghamshire today contends with a knife crime rate of 7.0 per 10,000 population. Despite 819 reported incidents, the area has seen a slight decline of 3%, showing a positive trend toward reduced knife violence.
17- Lancashire
Knife Crime Rate: 6.9 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,043 (4% increase)
From Blackpool to Lancaster, Lancashire is seeing a knife crime rate of 6.9 per 10,000 population. With 1,043 reported incidents and a 4% increase from the previous year, knife crime remains a point of concern in this diverse county.
18- Staffordshire
Knife Crime Rate: 6.5 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 746 (12% decrease)
The overall crime rate of Staffordshire, according to recent data, is 6.5 per 10,000 population. Residents and visitors saw 746 knife crime incidents last year. The good news is that crime rates decreased by 12% last year compared to the previous one.
19- Gwent
Knife Crime Rate: 6.5 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 376 (17% increase)
In Wales, Gwent has one of the highest knife crime rates at 6.5 per 10,000 population, totalling 376 incidents. The area has seen a 17% rise, indicating serious attention to solving this arising issue as soon as possible.
20- Hampshire
Knife Crime Rate: 6.5 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,198 (9% decrease)
Hampshire, home to historic Winchester and the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, recorded a knife crime rate of 6.5 per 10,000 population. The area reported 1,198 incidents, showing a positive decline of 9% over the past year.
21- Warwickshire
Knife Crime Rate: 6.3 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 383 (9% decrease)
Surrounding Birmingham and Coventry, Warwickshire is known for its countryside and iconic castle. With a knife crime rate of 6.3 per 10,000 population, the county has seen a promising 9% drop, translating to a total of 383 incidents.
22- Kent
Knife Crime Rate: 6.1 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 1,142 (11% decrease)
Known for its White Cliffs and strategic location, Kent reported a knife crime rate of 6.1 per 10,000 population, with 1,142 incidents last year. The 11% drop in incidents is a positive shift, although knife crime remains an issue in this key trade hub.
23- Cambridgeshire
Knife Crime Rate: 6.1 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 522 (18% decrease)
Home to the historic town of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire saw a knife crime rate of 6.1 per 10,000 population. The total of 522 incidents represents an 18% reduction, offering some relief to residents concerned about public safety.
24- West Mercia
Knife Crime Rate: 5.6 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 672 (12% decrease)
Covering Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire, the West Mercia region reported a knife crime rate of 5.6 per 10,000 population, with 672 incidents in total. This marks a positive 12% decrease from the previous year, showing some progress in reducing local knife crime.
25- Norfolk
Knife Crime Rate: 5.6 per 10,000 population and Incidents: 522 (16% increase)
Known for its scenic coastline and the Broads National Park, Norfolk faces a knife crime rate of 5.6 per 10,000 population. Despite its natural beauty, the area saw a concerning 16% increase in incidents, totalling 522 reported cases.
Knife Crime Trends Across the UK
Even with strong efforts from communities, awareness groups, and the police, knife crime in the UK has unfortunately risen by about 5% over recent years. While this increase isn’t as steep as seen in crimes like shoplifting (up 32%) or general theft (up 18%), it still marks a worrying uptick in knife-related incidents, adding to an already concerning trend that has continued for many years.
Certain areas have seen especially sharp increases. Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, County Durham, and Greater London have all seen a rise of around 22-23% in knife crime cases, raising alarm for residents. If such trends continue, these regions could see their knife crime rates double in just five years.
On a brighter note, some parts of the UK have managed to cut down knife crime significantly. Lincolnshire has seen a 29% decrease, and Dyfed-Powys, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire have each reported an 18-19% reduction. Overall, while the trends vary widely across the country, there are promising signs in certain regions that efforts to reduce knife-related incidents can work.
Preventing knife crime on your property starts with proactive measures and a commitment to safety. Partnering with a trusted security company like Guard Mark Security ensures you’re one step ahead in protecting what matters most. Our highly trained security guards provide a strong, visible presence that deters threats and responds swiftly to potential risks. Reach out to us today to learn how we can create a safer environment for your people, assets, and property.
How Do Guard Mark Security Source Data?
At Guard Mark Security, we prioritise transparency, so it’s important to share how we gather and analyse crime data. Our data comes from reliable sources, including the Police UK website and well-known organisations like the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and The Ben Kinsella Trust.
By using open-source police data, we’re able to accurately track the number of knife-related incidents across various regions. You can visit these websites and double-check all the statistics to ensure everything is accurate and legitimate.
For further information, check out our other blogs on the most dangerous areas in the UK for vehicle crime and gun crime. These articles will help you stay aware and informed all the time.
