Knife robberies fall by a fifth in major cities, government says
Knife robberies have fallen by more than a fifth across England’s major cities, the government announced today, claiming the results as evidence that a targeted enforcement initiative is beginning to take effect.
New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in seven of the highest-volume policing areas dropped 21 per cent between summer 2024 and March 2026, from 15,918 offences to 12,633 — meaning, ministers say, thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of violent crime.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones attributed the falls to the Knife-Enabled Robbery Group, set up in October 2024 to bring together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset, and British Transport Police forces. The group aims to improve intelligence-sharing, make greater use of CCTV technology and tighten the management of repeat and high-harm offenders.
“These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners,” Jones said.
Every force in the group recorded sustained reductions. The largest falls were seen in West Midlands and British Transport Police, both down 39 per cent, while the Metropolitan Police Service recorded a 17 per cent reduction. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire saw decreases ranging from 10 per cent to 21 per cent.
The announcement coincides with Knife Crime Awareness Week and comes alongside separate figures showing a 27 per cent fall in knife-related homicides nationally.
However, the falls in the seven taskforce areas form part of a broader national downward trend in knife crime across England and Wales — one that extends well beyond the forces covered by the initiative.