Crime statistics show slowing increase in knife crime

National Police Chiefs' Council lead for crime, Chief Constable Andy Cooke, said:

“Any rise in knife crime is incredibly serious and tackling this issue is a priority for police across the country. Statistics released today show the increase is slowing and this is in part down to our work to suppress violence using patrols in crime hotspots, targeted and intelligence led stop and search, and work to disrupt gangs.

“In the past few years cuts to policing have meant we’ve become more reactive to crime. With the recruitment of additional officers we will have more people on the beat and more people investigating and preventing crime.

“I am also concerned by increases in other offences, and that too few crimes are being solved and brought to court for justice to be done. This is a symptom of the strain on policing as we try to manage growing crime and demand that is ever more complex.

“We continue to work with the Home Office in putting the case forward for a stronger policing system that’s properly funded so we can improve outcomes and build public confidence.”