Knife crime has been a significant concern for years and the statistics are grim reading. In the year to March 2023, 50,500 knife-related offences were reported in England and Wales — a number that includes a range of crimes from assaults and robberies to deaths involving knives or sharp objects. Sentencing statistics from the Ministry of Justice show that in the same period, there were just over 19,000 cautions and convictions made for possession of a knife or offensive weapon.
And tragically, a knife or other sharp instrument was used in 244 murders that year — that's over 41 per cent of all murders in England and Wales, making knives, by far, the most common method of killing.
Where Is Knife Crime Most Prevalent?
London continues to be a hotspot for knife crime, but other regions also experience high levels. The West Midlands, in 2022/23, had the highest rate of 178 offences per 100,000 population. Greater Manchester and Merseyside also see elevated rates, where knife crime is particularly linked to gang activity.
What Causes Knife Crime?
Several underlying factors contribute to knife crime in the UK:
- Social and economic deprivation: Areas with higher poverty and unemployment rates tend to see more violent crime, including knife-related offences.
- Gang culture: Many knife crimes are linked to gang activity, the drug trade, and territorial disputes, particularly among youth.
- Fear and protection: Some young people carry knives for self-defence, believing they need protection in dangerous neighbourhoods — which in turn increases the likelihood of violence.
- Cuts to youth services: There has been widespread criticism of reductions to youth services and community projects, which has diminished support and opportunities for vulnerable young people.
Young people aged 10–17 were the offenders in around 18% of knife crime cases and are overrepresented as both victims and perpetrators. In some regions, a significant proportion of knife crime victims are teenagers.
What Can We Do About Knife Crime?
The UK has strict laws on carrying knives, and the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 has been amended to tighten existing law by making it a criminal offence to possess certain offensive weapons even in private.
There have also been concerted efforts to curb knife crime. London's Knife Crime Strategy, implemented by the Mayor of London and Metropolitan Police, includes increased stop-and-search operations, youth engagement programmes, and funding for community-based interventions. Violence Reduction Units around the UK focus on early intervention, working with schools, mental health services, and community organisations to prevent violence before it escalates.
The Role of Magistrates
Magistrates play a crucial role in addressing knife crime through the justice system — ensuring that justice is served, preventing reoffending, and maintaining public safety. Our presence in the community also helps build trust in the justice system and encourages the public to report knife crime.
I have been a magistrate in London since 2019 and became involved in the Magistrates' Association's Magistrates in the Community initiative, through which magistrates go out into their communities to inform and educate people about the work magistrates do, and to speak about crime, the criminal justice system, and knife crime in particular.
Through this work, I have been invited to schools, special educational needs centres, hospitals, pupil referral units, and local community groups to talk about knife-related offences — from carrying a knife in public to using one in an assault. This was a natural step for me, having been involved with young people in my local community for over 30 years. I was also driven in this direction after a murder in my family: a relative was stabbed to death when I was 16. That event left me bereft — but determined.
Education as Prevention
In 2021, when I was voted Deputy Chair of the Magistrates' Association's Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Network, I created a knife crime presentation to educate primary, secondary, and pupil referral unit students on the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. The presentation focuses on:
- The dangers of carrying knives: Explaining the risks involved in carrying knives for self-protection, and how it increases the likelihood of harm to the carrier and others.
- The legal consequences: Educating students on the legal ramifications of knife possession.
- Emphasising prevention: Highlighting safer alternatives and resources for avoiding violence without resorting to weapons.
- Who to speak to: For students who prefer not to speak to family or police, there are several confidential organisations that specialise in supporting young people in difficult situations.
To date, I have delivered this presentation to over 3,000 students across numerous schools, pupil referral units, and a hospital team in London. Following my presentations, I have also placed young people into my local court for work experience — with great success.
The reaction has been incredible. Many young people are shocked to learn that it is against the law to carry a weapon for self-protection — a misconception held by a surprising number of students. Last year, after presenting to a sixth form, one student told me they had planned to carry a knife to protect themselves at university, but changed their mind after my presentation.
One attendee at a secondary school in Wandsworth described the session as inspirational, calling me a role model. Feedback from many others said it had been excellent and had made them think more seriously about knife crime.
"We can stop young people carrying knives."
I have been supported throughout by my colleagues Samira Osman and Sarah Sawyerr, and by my local Police, with whom I have an excellent relationship — because we all know that knife crime is a priority across the UK.
By Dawn J Gibbons JP CMI FPC CeMAP-BDG
South West London Bench | Magistrate Member, London Recruitment Advisory Committee (LRAC) | Member, MA's Diversity and Inclusion Committee