Knife-point robberies in the most impacted areas have decreased by 15% compared to last year, according to recent data. The Home Office has reported the closure of over 3,000 county lines networks, resulting in approximately 2,500 fewer individuals being exposed to the threat of knife-wielding attacks.
Additionally, efforts to combat drug smuggling, often involving the exploitation of children, have led to more than 8,000 arrests. Among these operations, over 4,000 young people and vulnerable individuals received support to steer them away from gang involvement.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones commended the progress in reducing knife crime, attributing it to a strategic approach rather than chance. The County Lines Programme initiated by the Government has resulted in the closure of 3,042 county lines and the arrest of 8,226 individuals since July 2024. Notably, 923 knives were confiscated, and 4,323 safeguarding referrals were initiated.
The Labour Party, committed to halving knife crime over a decade, has received positive feedback on the achieved milestones. Pooja Kanda, whose son fell victim to a fatal attack in 2022, expressed gratitude for the government’s actions, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to address youth violence and enhance protections for communities.
Kate Wareham, the strategic director of anti-knife crime organization Catch22, applauded the progress made by the Home Office in combating county lines and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The implementation of the County Lines Programme has significantly impacted the disruption of criminal networks and the overall safety of communities.
In a bid to address the issue further, the Government launched the Knife-Enabled Robbery (KER) Taskforce in October 2024, focusing on seven severely affected areas. These efforts have resulted in a 15% reduction in knife-enabled robberies in these regions, from 16,067 to 13,633 incidents.