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Knife crime is any crime that involves a knife. Some people mistakenly think by carrying a knife then it will provide protection. But statistics show that if you carry a knife or weapon then you are more likely to end up being hurt. The basic laws on knives state that it’s illegal to:
Any sharp instrument that is used in a threatening way (e.g. a screwdriver) is also an offensive weapon. Find out more here.
Recent changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 mean that from 14 July 2021 it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private. The Act also includes an updated definition of flick knives to reflect changes in weapon designs, and the banning of private possession of flick knives and gravity knives.
Knife crime awareness campaign
Resources for teachers and practitioners
School-based violence prevention: a practical handbook
Knife Free awareness campaign and resources
The Wales Violence Prevent Unit aims to prevent all forms of violence, including knife crime. For information about their work visit Violence Prevention Unit
Knife crime statistics – House of Commons Library
Crimestoppers – Knife crime in detail
The Ben Kinsella Trust | #StopKnifeCrime
Gun and knife crime | Childline
GOV.UK links
BBC Three Video – How Not To Die From A Stabbing
Op Sceptre: How to get rid of an old knife? | Dyfed-Powys Police
Knife Violence Prevention Scotland – No Knives Better Lives
Knife crime – BBC News
If you’ve witnessed or been the victim of crime, please report it to the Police. Call 101 or report it online depending on your region within Wales – South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police, Gwent Police or North Wales Police. In an emergency, call 999.
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use the Police textphone service 18000 or text on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
If you have information about crime and wish to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
If you’ve been affected by crime, you can access support from Victim Support, including via their free 24/7 national support line 08 08 16 89 111, or get support online.
You may wish to consider joining Neighbourhood Watch, or other police supported initiatives such as OWL – Online Watch Link.
For more information on how you can keep yourself safe from crime, visit our Personal Safety page and for specialist help and support, visit the individual Topics sections of our website.
