The UK has witnessed concerning trends in knife-related crimes and violent crime over the last decade, with specific areas emerging as significant hotspots.
This article reviews recent national statistics and prevention methods to address the growing issue affecting communities nationwide and how local authorities deal with it.
Current Knife Crime Statistics
These knife crime numbers are honestly pretty scary when you look at them up close. Did you know we have hit a record high in 2023? Nearly 50,000 knife incidents across England and Wales – that’s up 7% in just one year. Since they started keeping proper track back in 2010, we’ve never seen figures this high.
What really can get you thinking is about the real people behind these statistics. When you see that 242 people lost their lives to knife attacks in a single year, it’s heart-breaking. That’s 40% of all murders happening with knives or sharp objects. And the fact that children are involved makes it even more devastating.
This isn’t just some abstract problem – it’s affecting real neighbourhoods and families across the country. It makes you understand why so many people are prioritising safety when choosing where to live, doesn’t it? These trends are exactly why those secure areas we’ve been talking about have become so valuable to families and individuals looking for peace of mind in 2025.
Regional Knife Crime Hotspot
Knife crime continues to be a pressing issue across the UK, with certain regions facing exceptionally high levels of violence.
Below, we break down the areas most affected, starting with London- the undeniable epicentre of this nationwide crisis.
London
London remains the epicentre of knife crime in the UK, with stark figures revealing the scale of the problem:
- 12,786 knife crime offences recorded in 2023, equivalent to 35 incidents per day
- 138 knife-related homicides in London since 2021
- 1733 teenage knife crime victims in 2022/23, a 24% increase from 2020/21
The Metropolitan Police data indicates that certain boroughs have disproportionately high crime rates. In 2023, Southwark reported 428 incidents, Newham had 384 incidents, and Lambeth recorded 365 incidents.
Source: Statista
West Midlands
Birmingham and the wider West Midlands police force area rank second for knife crime rates nationally:
- 5,138 knife crime incidents recorded in 2022/23
- 40% increase in knife crime rates over the past five years
- 51 knife-related homicides since 2021
Youth knife crime, UK, is particularly concerning, with possession offences among under-18s increasing by approximately 15% compared to the previous year.
Manchester
Greater Manchester has experienced fluctuating knife crime trends:
- 3,962 knife-related incidents recorded in 2022/23
- 12% increase in offences involving knife crime or crime with a sharp instrument over the past three years
- 46 knife-related fatalities since 2021
Robberies involving knives have seen a 19% increase year-on-year, with the city centre reporting 487 such incidents in 2023 alone.
Merseyside
Liverpool knife crime analysis shows the area has one of the highest rates of knife-related offences per capita outside London:
- 1,852 knife offences recorded in 2022/23
- 9% increase in knife possession charges compared to 2021/22
- 69 victims under the age of 18 were hospitalised due to knife wounds in 2023
Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s combined knife crime statistics paint a concerning picture:
- Leeds: 1,456 knife-related offences in 2022/23
- Sheffield: 1,289 knife incidents, representing a 7% year-on-year increase
- Bradford: 927 knife crimes recorded, with youth involvement in 31% of cases
East Midlands
East Midlands cities show troubling trends:
- In Leicester, 772 knife-related incidents happened in 2022/23, with an 8% increase year-on-year
- Nottingham: 894 knife crimes, with a concerning 11% rise in serious knife violence
Other Notable Areas
Several other regions have emerged as knife crime hotspots:
- Bristol: 654 knife-related offences in 2022/23, up 7% from the previous year
- Coventry: 512 knife crimes, representing a population-adjusted rate higher than many larger cities
- Newcastle: 487 knife incidents, with the North East seeing a 10% overall increase in knife crime
Prevention Strategies And Security Responses
Tackling knife crime requires a multifaceted approach to respond effectively, combining law enforcement efforts with proactive security measures.
From targeted police operations to heightened security presence in retail environments, these strategies are crucial in curbing violence and enhancing public safety.
Law Enforcement Approaches
Police forces nationwide are implementing data-driven strategies to combat knife crime:
- In London, targeted operations in high-risk areas have led to 3,145 knife seizures in 2023
- West Midlands Police recovered 1,872 knives through stop-and-search operations
- Nationwide, knife crime detection rates have improved by 12% since 2021
Security Services Role
Professional security officers are playing an increasingly important role in knife crime prevention:
- Retail environments have seen a 24% reduction in knife incidents where security officers are present and trained to recognise anti social behaviour
- Security firms reported intervening in over 4,800 potential knife-related incidents in 2023
- 68% of shopping centres have implemented enhanced security measures specifically targeting knife crime
Community Initiatives
Community-based prevention programs have shown promising results:
- Youth intervention programs have engaged with over 18,000 at-risk young people in knife crime hotspots
- Mentoring schemes show a 42% reduction in reoffending rates among participants
- Educational initiatives have reached 750,000 students nationwide in 2023
How Does Anubis Security Services Help You With This?
Knife crime is an escalating crisis with a consistent upward trend, and no one wants to feel unsafe in their city, workplace, or while shopping. That’s where Anubis Security steps in. We’re not just another security firm—we’re the frontline defence, the silent protectors making sure you, your business, and your community stay safe.
Visible Deterrence, Real Protection
Imagine walking into a shopping centre or a crowded event and seeing highly trained security officers keeping a watchful eye. That’s not just for show. Our Manned Guarding & Static Security teams serve as a powerful deterrent against knife crime, ensuring troublemakers think twice before making a move.
Eyes Everywhere
Knife crime thrives in the shadows—we don’t let that happen. With CCTV Installation and monitoring, we turn those blind spots into highly secured zones. Our AI-powered systems don’t just record crime; they prevent it by detecting suspicious activity in real-time and alerting authorities before things escalate.
Retail & Public Space Security
Shopping centres, nightclubs, and busy public spaces are, unfortunately, where knife crime tends to happen most. It’s scary to think about, but that’s precisely why our Retail Security Services focus on keeping everyone safe – not just the merchandise. We’ve got eyes watching constantly, security staff who actually know what they’re doing, and quick-response teams ready to jump in if anything happens.
Rapid Response When Every Second Counts
In high-risk situations, time is everything. Our Keyholding and Alarm Response service ensures that if an alarm goes off, a trained security officer is at the scene quickly. This isn’t just about responding—it’s about preventing escalation before it turns into another headline.
Conclusion
The numbers really do tell the story, don’t they? London and places like Birmingham are seeing way more knife incidents than other parts of the UK. That’s why businesses in these areas can’t afford to skip proper security anymore. It’s not just about ticking boxes – companies that take security seriously have seen knife incidents drop by nearly a third on their premises. That’s huge!
Professional security personnel provide an essential layer of protection for businesses and organisations operating in these knife crime hotspots.
Knife crime isn’t something that’s going to disappear tomorrow, but being prepared makes all the difference in keeping people safe. Whether you’re running a shop, organising an event, or just want to protect what matters to you, we’re here to help. Ready to get serious about security? Give us a shout for a free quote – no pressure, just practical solutions.
