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There is rising public concern about crime rates and youth crime following news reports of street robberies, knife crime, muggings, violence and murders. There are many risk factors that lead young people to crime such as family breakdown, bullying and underachievement at school.

Knife Crime

Knife crime is one of the biggest youth crimes facing society today. It has become a very big problem in London and other cities and towns across the UK. The police have some powers on the streets but the problem requires a broader solution, which the UK governemt has been working on.

Addressing this growing concern is extremely important and All Resources is actively involved in providing education and campaigns to help eradicate this major problem.

Knife Crime Statistics

According to the Office for National Statisitcs, in England and Wales — “Knife-enabled crime recorded by the police in the year ending September 2022 has increased by 11%. It has remained 8% lower than pre-coronavirus pandemic levels in the year ending March 2020”.

Some noteworthy figures (in the year ending September 2022, unless otherwise stated):

  • 50,434 total knife offences.
  • 18,253 knife-enabled robbery offences.
  • 260 knife-enabled violent and sexual offences.
  • Custodial sentencing for knife and offensive weapon offences fell 30% between March 2020 and March 2022.
  • Between March 2020 and March 2022 there was an increase in the proportions of offenders receiving suspended sentences of 20–25%.
  • In Scotland, there were 10,048 police recorded handling offensive weapon crimes between March 2021 and April 2022, according to Statista.

Preventing Youth Crime

The UK government and police forces have jointly worked on tackling knife crime and other forms of violence. Recent Home Office data reveals:

  • Robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024.
  • Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026.

Ultimately, a number of key areas that can prevent young people getting involved in crime include employment opportunities in deprived areas and support for vulnerable families through parenting classes and improved childcare.

Education on these issues is very important and our educational publications provide ideas and initiatives to encourage young people to make wise decisions thereby avoiding involvement in crime.