Taking action against knife crime in the UK

Knife crime is a serious problem across the UK, and there are a range of organisations that are taking action to help tackle it. From charities which provide education and support to those at risk of becoming involved in knife crime to the police who investigate incidents, there are a number of organisations that are working together to crack down on this issue.

The charity Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) works to reduce violence in the UK. This includes providing education and training for young people to help them understand the risks of carrying knives and the potential consequences of their actions. They also provide support to those affected by knife crime and their families, as well as to victims of violence.

The police have a role to play in tackling knife crime. They investigate incidents and work with local communities to raise awareness about the risks associated with carrying a weapon. They also work with schools and other organisations to help identify those at risk of becoming involved in knife crime.

West Midlands Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said “It’s crucial that we safeguard and promote the welfare of young people, so they can take part in safe activities that challenge them and provide them with strong role models who engage, listen and work with them.

This comes after the recent statistics released by The Office for National Statistics that showed that West Midlands police recorded the highest rate of 152 offences involving a knife crime per 100,000 of the population in 2021-22, which is significant. The possession of weapons, including knives, has increased since 2012 by 496% to 7,257 incidents a year.

“We ensure sporting activities are available, combined with mentoring classes. Youth workers take to the streets at key times of the day to engage with young people and extra support is offered to those at risk of school exclusion.

“That’s why every year, I invest tens of thousands of pounds in our region ensuring positive activities are available and young people are not just left to their own devices, with nothing to do,” said the commissioner.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is another key organisation in the fight against knife crime. The NCA carries out operations to track down and arrest those involved in knife crime and works with partners to raise awareness and prevent knife crime.

Inside Success Union is a social enterprise that works with 16–24-year-olds to help them develop life skills. Founded in 2013, the enterprise organises workshops to support young people from alienated economies and help them reach their full potential by providing employment.

“We believe young people need a safe space to develop their skills and shouldn’t feel judged because of their background and experience.”

This enterprise promotes a campaign that aims to end knife crimes using the voices of young people. By introducing black youth to opportunities that aren't being offered to them by society, the volunteers of this campaign want to help young people in the black community to turn away from knife crime and gangs

Picture: Inside Success Instagram

Representative Anthia* explained that the enterprise isn’t government funded therefore they rely on the help of the public to help raise funds to support young people.

“Our aim is to help as many young people as possible which is why we have serval volunteers across the country working together on this. But since we aren't government funded, it takes a while to raise the amounts we need.

“It's ridiculous when the government says that they're trying to help the knife crime issues within these black communities, yet they don’t provide support or aid to the organisations and groups that are actively working to solve the problems.

Inside Success has managed to help over 6,400 young people over the past 6 years with help from their volunteers and the public.

“The more young people we help means they are taken from a life of knife crime and ensures the possibility of a better future for them.”

Knife crime is a serious and growing problem in the UK, and the organisations mentioned above are just a few of those working hard to tackle it. We should all do our part to help reduce knife crime, whether that’s by raising awareness or supporting those affected by it. Every step we take is a step closer to a brighter future without knife crime.

*no last name given