Knife
Crime
Young people are disproportionately
affected by knife crime. That’s why our early intervention knife crime education is so vital.
We discuss early intervention and knife crime prevention with children aged 9 upwards to empower and educate them about knife crime.
Our tailored, age-appropriate workshops are designed to help children understand the consequences of their choices and who they can talk to if they need help.
Overall Statistics
Offences:
In the year ending March 2025, there were around 49,600 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales
Homicides:
In the year ending March 2024, Home Office data shows there were 262 homicides (the killing of one person by another) using a sharp instrument, including knives and broken bottles. This meant sharp instruments were used in 46% of the 570 homicides that occurred in England and Wales in 2023/24.
Injuries and Hospital Admissions:
Data from NHS Digital shows there were 3,500 “hospital episodes” recorded in English hospitals in 2024/25 due to assault by a sharp object.
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Reasons for Carrying Knives
Self-Protection: Many individuals, particularly young people, report carrying knives for self-protection or fear of being attacked.
Status and Peer Pressure: Some carry knives to gain status or due to peer pressure within their social groups.
Criminal Intent: Knives are also carried for criminal activities, including robbery and gang-related violence.
We aim to educate children that the reality is that they are not safer with a knife. Research has shown us that a person carrying a knife for protection is far more likely to be stabbed or injure themselves carrying a knife than not.
Age and Demographics
Youth Involvement: In the year ending March 2025, 10 to 17-year-olds were responsible for approximately 17% of all knife crime offences in the UK, according to data from the Ministry of Justice and the Youth Justice Board.
Age Distribution: Knife crime affects various
age groups, but young people are disproportionately
involved, both as perpetrators and victims.
We teach children that the age of criminal responsibility
is 10 years old. If caught in possession of a knife, without
a valid reason, that person will receive a prison sentence
of up to FOUR years, and a criminal record
will remain on their permanent record for life.
We discuss how they can also be sentenced for Joint Enterprise / Being a Bystander and give young people the tools and knowledge to make better informed decisions.
Book today and find out more
We encourage Primary and Secondary schools to contact us to book early
intervention knife crime education workshops for their students from year 5 upwards now.
Speak to the education team to find out more about the sessions and the benefits of welcoming external providers into school to deliver on this essential, complex topic, call
01908 263009 or email educationteam@safetycentre.co.uk
