Knife-point robberies in areas heavily impacted by crime have decreased by 15% compared to the same period last year, according to recent data. The Home Office has reported the closure of over 3,000 county lines networks, resulting in approximately 2,500 fewer individuals facing the threat of being robbed at knifepoint.
Moreover, efforts to combat drug smuggling operations, commonly involving the exploitation of minors, have led to more than 8,000 arrests. The data reveals that over 4,000 vulnerable individuals, including young people, have received assistance to steer them away from gang involvement.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones praised the progress in addressing knife crime, attributing it to strategic planning and effective interventions. The County Lines Programme, implemented by the government, has successfully closed 3,042 county lines and made 8,226 arrests since July 2024. Additionally, 923 knives have been confiscated, and 4,323 safeguarding referrals have been initiated.
The Labour party, which promised to reduce knife crime by half over a ten-year period, has received positive feedback on the recent achievements. Pooja Kanda, who lost her son to a fatal attack in 2022, commended the government’s efforts while emphasizing the collaborative approach needed to combat youth violence and enhance community safety.
Kate Wareham, the strategic director of anti-knife crime organization Catch22, expressed optimism about the progress made by the Home Office in addressing county lines issues. She highlighted the program’s impact in disrupting criminal activities, protecting vulnerable individuals, and ensuring community well-being.
Last year, the government launched the Knife-Enabled Robbery (KER) Taskforce, focusing on seven high-risk areas, including London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, and British Transport Police. Notably, these regions saw a 15% decline in knife-enabled robberies, with reported offenses decreasing from 16,067 to 13,633.
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