Knife crime in England and Wales rose to record levels last year, according to the most recent statistics.
The Office for National Statistics has calculated that there were 40,829 offences involving a knife or a sharp instrument in 2018.
This represents a 6% rise on the previous year – or an increase of 2,287 offences.
This is the highest number since the year ending March 2011, the earliest point for which comparable data are available, according to the ONS.
An offence is recorded as an offence involving a knife or sharp instrument when the weapon is present during the crime or the threat is believed to be real. The weapon doesn’t necessarily have to be used.
The volume of knife crime offences has increased by 33% since the year ending March 2011.
