Knife Crime:
A growing crisis
Knife crime is a devastating issue affecting communities across the UK. Every year, thousands of young people are drawn into violence, with tragic consequences for victims, families, and entire communities.
St Giles Trust is at the forefront of tackling knife crime through prevention, intervention, and long-term support for young people at risk.
As a leading charity working to stop knife crime, we provide life-changing support to help young people find a positive path away from violence. Through education, mentoring, and frontline interventions, we work directly with those affected to create safer communities for all.
What is Knife Crime?
Knife crime includes any crime involving a bladed weapon, from carrying and possession to violent attacks. It’s one of the most urgent issues affecting young people in the UK today.
At St Giles Trust, we tackle the roots of knife crime with prevention, intervention, and support services for young people most at risk.
How does Knife Crime affect young people?
Knife crime disproportionately impacts young people, particularly in urban areas. The causes are complex, including social inequality, lack of opportunities, fear, and gang culture. The consequences are severe, often leading to serious injury, criminal records, and loss of life.
Why young people carry knives
Many carry knives not to attack but out of fear. Causes include:
- Peer pressure
- Grooming and gang exploitation
- Social inequality
- Lack of safe environments and positive role models
Campaigns like No More Red highlight the need for alternatives. St Giles Trust delivers those alternatives on the ground.
Key facts about Knife Crime in the UK
In the year ending March 2024, over 50,000 sharp object offences were reported in England and Wales. The reality behind those numbers:
82% of homicides of 13-19-year-olds were the result of knife crime (2022/23)
57 young people under 25 lost their lives to knife violence, with 17 of them being under 16 years old
Juveniles aged 10 to 17 are involved in around 17.3% of knife-related offence
55% of children have seen violence on social media and 39% had been directly affected by violence in the past year
Knife crime affects individuals, families, schools, and entire communities.
Knife Crime in schools
Schools across the UK are facing increasing concerns about knife crime. Reports indicate a rise in young people carrying weapons due to fear of being attacked, peer pressure, or involvement in gang-related activities. School exclusions related to knife possession have surged, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
In 2024 alone, police recorded 150 knife injuries on school premises. Weapon-related exclusions are rising.
Figures were supplied by 27 of England and Wales’s 43 forces. They include offences committed by people of any age and at any time.
They are among 631 knife crimes at schools recorded by forces that year, with the stats also including offences like knife possession, making threats to kill and sexual assaults. Some forces say their knife crime figures include crimes involving other sharp objects, such as needles or broken glass.
St Giles in schools
We deliver awareness and intervention sessions in schools through:
- School assemblies led by mentors with lived experience
- One-to-one mentoring
- Education around grooming, exploitation, and gang avoidance
These sessions ensure young people are aware of the signs of exploitation and grooming so they can safely avoid or exit these situations.
Education is how we stop knife crime before it starts.
The ripple effect of Knife Crime
Knife crime devastates entire communities. Knife crime doesn’t just affect victims; it impacts entire communities. Families suffer devastating losses, and local areas experience increased fear, distrust, and economic decline. Community-based interventions, like those from St Giles, are crucial in preventing young people from getting involved in knife crime in the first place.
How can we stop Knife Crime?
We believe that young people deserve hope and opportunity - not a future shaped by violence. Our specialist services support at-risk individuals, giving them the tools to break free from negative influences and make safer choices.
Education & intervention
Sessions in schools and communities to dismantle myths and offer safer paths.
One-to-One mentoring
Personalised support from mentors who understand the pressures young people face.
Youth violence intervention
In prisons and youth services, we expose the real consequences of crime and offer change.
Community & family support
Helping families and community leaders create protective, informed environments.
Join us to stop Knife Crime
Every action counts. Knife crime is a societal issue that requires collective action. Whether you're an individual, a business, or a policymaker, your support can make a real difference.
Need support?
If you or someone you know is affected by knife crime, we are here for you.
đź“ž Helpline: 020 7708 8000
📧 Email: info@stgilestrust.org.uk
🌍 Website: How to get support – St Giles Trust