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Knife Crime Hits Record

Unfortunately knife crime has risen to record levels, but only a fifth of perpetrators are being caught and charged. Records show that knife crimes rose by 6% last year to 40,829 and this represents the highest levels since records began being recorded in 2008-9. 
 
These numbers represent more than 110 incidents per day. The number of murders rose by 6.1 per cent to 732 and these again were the highest in a decade. Forty percent of homicides involved a knife or sharp instrument.
 
The greatest reported incidents of knife crime were;      
 
  • Merseyside - up 35%
  • Dyfed-Powys - up 28%
  • South Wales - up 23%
  • Derbyshire - up 22%
  • North Wales - up 21%
  • North Yorks - up 21%
  • West Yorks - up 20%
  • Kent - up 20%
  • Gwent - up 20%
  • Thames Valley - up 19%
 
The number of offenders prosecuted for knife possession has plummeted. Only 40% of knife crimes result in a charge, whilst in 2015-16 the charge rate was at 60%.
 
The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police suggested that at least four in 10 of knife crimes were not being investigated due to a lack of Police resources.
 
Simon Kempton, representing 119,000 officers via the Police Federation, commented that police shortages meant police were less likely to get to a crime scene or report of knife possession within the critical "golden hour", due to staffing levels.
 
He said, "Particularly during peak hours, night time, we are less able to get enough people to these places as we would like, so end up losing witnesses, physical or forensic evidence."
 
Police Authorities have been given an extra £100  million by the Government to hopefully reverse the trend in seven of the worst hit areas. Those include Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire.
 
In London, where Police Stop & Search powers have been used, the rate of increase in knife crime rose by one per cent rise in the latest quarter. This was down from 15 per cent and 8 per cent in previous quarters.
 
In summary only 7.8 per cent of offences lead to charges, down from 9.1 per cent in 2017.
 
If you have been charged with an offence and require legal advice please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
 
The Johnson Partnership
Crime Solicitors 
01332 370 473
 


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Derby Crime Solicitors


You may have been charged with a criminal offence. We can and will help.

 

From misdemeanors to more serious matters you'll find a voice at the end of the phone (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) who can provide the in depth knowledge you'll need.

 

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Suite 1,
42 Friar Gate,
Derby,
DE1 1DA


01332 370473
3 Burlington House,
19 Burlington St,
Chesterfield,
Derbyshire,
S40 1RX


01246 520930