Knife crime

What is Crimestoppers doing about knife crime?

Latest knife crime statistics - 2009:

• Last year, the number of homicides involving a knife or other sharp instrument fell (from 270 in 2007/08 to 252 in 2008/09).
• There was a rise in attempted murders involving knives (245 in 2007/08 to 271 in 2008/09).
• Robbery offences involving knives fell by 2% last year.
• 28 teenagers were killed in violent incidents in London in 2008.
• The government says 80% of all knife crime happens in just a few areas, places like London, Leeds and Glasgow.
• Download the latest violence and knife crime statistics - British Crime Survey 'Violence and sexual crime' (pdf, 136KB)
• More of the latest crime statistics

Here are just a few initiatives that Crimestoppers is running to combat knife crime in the UK.

Crimestoppers Radio Ad
A series of anti-knife crime radio commercials are being aired on Choice FM. We hope the adverts will encourage London teenagers to text about anyone they know who is carrying a knife in school.

Know someone with a knife? Text Crimestoppers
Originally piloted in 10 areas across England and Wales, Crimstoppers' knife crime texting service is now available nationwide. You can text Crimestoppers anonymously on 88551 if you know someone who carries a knife. Texts pass through a special server to maintain your anonymity - Crimestoppers cannot trace your phone number or any details about you.

Texts should include four pieces of information about those carrying knives:

1. Name and/or nickname
2. school
3. year
4. postcode/area.

Important! The text number is only for information about knives.

Game over 4 knives website
What can you do about knife crime? This is a website for young people with games and advice.

Knife Drop game
This online game was developed with the help of young people in south London.

Anti-gun and knife crime DVD
The DVD aims to educate young people on the dangers of gun and knife crime by engaging them on the topics.

Youth worker resources
Posters and resources that will stimulate discussion with young people on the serious issue of knife crime.

If you know someone who carries a knife, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form.

Please become a member of Crimestoppers' pages on Facebook and Bebo to help spread our message!