Forces to be given mapping technology to tackle knife crime hotspots

The technology identifies the highest knife crime hotspots down to a precision of 0.1 square kilometres. Using micro-geography, the police can pinpoint the specific streets and times when knife crime occurs.

These areas, which account for 90% of such crime in England and Wales, will then see a dramatic surge in police activity to catch these criminals, such as increased police patrols, new CCTV cameras, Live Facial Recognition deployment and the installation of knife arches, all funded by a £26 million investment into the Knife Crime Concentrations Fund.

In order to access the funding, forces must define hyperlocal areas in agreement with the Home Office. The areas must then develop an integrated SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment) problem solving plan for each of the hyperlocal areas. These SARA plans should aim to deliver at least a 33% reduction in knife crime over a two-year period of delivery in the hyperlocal area.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “Knife crime devastates lives and families across the country – and the majority of it takes place on just a small number of streets across the country. We will deploy state of the art mapping to identify these hotspots and target them with police patrols, Live Facial Recognition and knife arches to catch these criminals.”

Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the Government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “This targeted, data‑driven approach represents a crucial part of the government’s response to tackling knife crime and protecting young people from its devastating impact.”

“Knife crime creates a profound and often location-based fear among young people, shaping how they move, socialise and experience their own neighbourhoods. Tackling these issues at source is vital, and that is why the Hex mapping approach is so important; it will pinpoint the exact areas where fear and harm are most concentrated. By coordinating action with partners on the ground, it can focus efforts where they are needed most, reducing knife crime, restoring confidence and improving public safety.”

Shanine Wright, knife crime campaigner, and Bristol-based member of the Government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “I really welcome funding and a more targeted approach to tackling knife crime, especially here in Bristol, especially with better data, like the use of hex mapping. I’ve seen first-hand the difference this can make on the ground. That’s why it’s encouraging to see knife crime down by 8%, which shows that progress is being made.

“I truly believe this is an opportunity to keep building on that progress by continuing to invest in prevention, youth support, and community-led work so we can reach young people sooner and create safer futures.”