The West Midlands Police area has recorded the highest rate of knife crime offences in England and Wales, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. From April 2023 to March 2024, there were 5,268 offences, with a rate of 178 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the London Metropolitan Police's rate.
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00:00The West Midlands Police Area has recorded the highest rate of knife crime offences in England and Wales,
00:06according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
00:10From April 2023 to March 2024, there were over 5,000 offences with a rate of 178 per 100,000 citizens,
00:20surpassing the London Metropolitan Police's rate.
00:23A new knife crime policy introduced in November has led to more arrests
00:27and many issues identified during a period of special measures have been addressed.
00:32Despite these efforts, the rate of knife crime has slightly increased
00:36from the previous year's rate of 176 per 100,000.
00:41Local campaigners highlight factors such as mental health issues, family breakdowns,
00:46poverty and the glamourisation of knife crime.
00:49West Midlands Police is reviewing its recording practices and continues to prioritise
00:54serious youth violence with increased patrols and community awareness campaigns.