A decline in knife-related crimes and fatal stabbings has been praised as positive progress by the Labour Party’s policing minister. Sarah Jones emphasized the need for continued efforts despite a 5% decrease in incidents over the past year. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicated an 8% reduction in blade-related robberies in England and Wales.
The report revealed a total of 51,527 knife offenses in the 12 months leading up to June, down from 54,215 in the previous year. The Labour Party has set a goal to halve such crimes within the next ten years. Overall, violent crime decreased by 2% compared to the previous year, with homicides reaching their lowest point since 2014 at 518, following a 6% decrease.
Fatal stabbings recorded an 18% drop, according to the ONS findings. Jones highlighted the detrimental impact of knife crime on individuals, families, and communities, stressing the importance of ongoing efforts to combat it effectively.
The Minister mentioned the Government’s plans to implement additional measures to combat knife crime, including improved identification of at-risk youth and bolstering neighborhood policing by adding 13,000 more officers by 2029. Additionally, Labour’s ban on certain types of knives and the enforcement efforts in town centers across the country were noted as proactive steps.
Jones mentioned ongoing initiatives to proactively address vulnerable teenagers through new partnerships and support services like Young Futures Hubs. Despite the progress made, she acknowledged that more work is needed to ensure safer streets for all. Every saved young life is seen as a step forward in the mission to eradicate knife-related violence.
Recent data from NHS hospitals indicated a 10% decrease in admissions for assaults involving sharp objects, with 3,460 admissions recorded, marking a 27% decrease compared to the previous year ending in March 2020.