Knife crime

A knife crime occurs every 11.5 minutes in the UK...that’s 125 a day on average.

What is knife crime?

Any crime involving a knife or other bladed or pointed object. This involves carrying a knife, owning a banned knife, trying to buy a knife if you’re under 18, and/or threatening, injuring or fatally wounding someone with a knife.

The law

It is against the law to carry a knife in a public place and can result in up to four years in prison.

A person must be 18 or over to purchase a knife.

Age of criminal responsibility is 10 years old. Therefore, you can be arrested and charged aged 10 and above.

Knife crime key topics

Self defence: an action taken during an attack, which must be of reasonable and proportionate force or the minimum force needed to get away.

Joint enterprise: two or more people charged with the same offence, even though they may have played different roles in the crime. This includes intending, encouraging and assisting the crime.

Stop and search: Police have the power to stop and search any person if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect that person may be carrying something that could cause harm to others.

Resources for you and your child

Childline offer a confidential helpline (0800 1111) and forum where children can talk to counsellors.

Fearless offer an anonymous crime reporting service, as well as signposting to further youth services in areas such as county lines, drugs and knife crime.