The Rise of Knife Crime in the North East

The United Kingdom is facing a serious issue with knife crime. In 2024, nearly 50,000 knife-related offences were recorded. Over the past five years, Northumbria has seen a 46.02% increase in such crimes (Licensed, 2024).

Cleveland recorded the highest rate of knife-related assaults, with 8.61 incidents per 10,000 people. These attacks are often carried out with intent to cause harm, making them particularly alarming.

As knife crime continues to rise, more people are being affected each day. However, several charities in the North East are working to tackle the problem and support those impacted.

Susan Dungworth, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, set up the Knives Impact Everyone campaign in 2023 and it has helped many young adults and offenders in the city.

She set up the campaign to encourage young people to think twice before picking up a knife.

She said: “Our campaign features emotionally charged graphics, such as unanswered text messages, to highlight the real impact of knife crime, along with the words: ‘Knife crime cuts deep. Whether you’re carrying or a victim, the consequences affect everyone—family, friends, emergency services, and communities.”

In the awareness lessons, students explore the impact and consequences of knife crime through interactive discussions on the law, Joint Enterprise, and its effect on victims, perpetrators, families, and communities. They are encouraged to share their views on thought-provoking video clips, fostering debate and questions to dispel common myths about knife crime.

When asked whether she has seen an improvement in young people’s attitudes toward knife possession, she said, “Many students demonstrate a greater understanding of knife crime, showing increased empathy and awareness. They can discuss the consequences more confidently and challenge misconceptions.”

Her final message, when asked whether she sees a future without knife crime, was: “We all have a role to play in tackling knife crime—having early conversations, creating positive opportunities, reporting what we see, and seeking support for ourselves or others.”

For more information on knife crime awareness and educational resources, visit Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit.