Knife-point robberies in heavily impacted areas have decreased by 15% compared to the same time last year, according to recent data. The Home Office revealed that more than 3,000 county lines networks have been dismantled, resulting in approximately 2,500 fewer individuals facing the threat of being robbed at knifepoint.
Moreover, efforts to combat drug smuggling operations, particularly those involving the exploitation of minors, have led to over 8,000 arrests. The data indicates that more than 4,000 young people and vulnerable individuals have received assistance to steer them away from gang involvement.
Speaking on the progress, Policing Minister Sarah Jones stated that Labour’s commitment to addressing knife crime is yielding positive results, emphasizing the intentional strategies implemented to achieve these outcomes.
Through the Government’s County Lines Programme, 3,042 county lines have been shut down, with 8,226 arrests made since July 2024. Notably, authorities have confiscated 923 knives and initiated 4,323 safeguarding referrals.
The Labour Party, which aimed to halve knife crime within a decade upon assuming power, received positive feedback on the progress made. Pooja Kanda, whose son fell victim to a fatal attack, commended the government’s efforts to address youth violence and enhance protections for communities.
Kate Wareham, strategic director of the anti-knife crime organization Catch22, expressed satisfaction with the Home Office’s advancements in combating county lines operations, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and ensuring community safety.
In a targeted initiative, the Government launched the Knife-Enabled Robbery (KER) Taskforce in October 2024, focusing on seven severely affected regions. These areas, including London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, and the British Transport Police jurisdiction, observed a 15% reduction in knife-enabled robberies, dropping from 16,067 to 13,633 incidents.