What Is Knife Crime?
Knife crime is any offence involving a knife or bladed weapon — whether used to threaten, cause injury, or simply carried in public. You do not have to use a knife for it to be a crime. Simply having one without good reason can lead to arrest and up to four years in prison.
50,430
Stabbing Offences in 2024/25
174
Stabbing deaths in 2024/25
43%
Offenders aged under 16
50%
Victims aged under 25
What counts as knife crime?
- Carrying a knife in public — even if hidden or never used
- Threatening another person with a knife
- Using a knife to injure or kill someone
- Selling a knife to someone under 18
- Possessing banned weapons (zombie knife, flick knife, machete)
County Lines
Drug trafficking & exploitation explained
County lines is when criminal gangs use children and vulnerable people to carry drugs from cities into smaller towns. The young people involved are victims of exploitation — not willing criminals.
Key terms to know:
- The Line
A dedicated mobile phone used to take drug orders
- Cuckooing
Taking over a vulnerable person’s home to deal drugs
- Runners
Fake debts to trap and control young people
- Debt Bondage
Young people sent to carry and deliver drugs
Know The Signs:
Spotting the signs in a young person:
- Unexplained money, phones, or expensive items
- Going missing from home or school
- Appearing scared, anxious, or withdrawn
- Being secretive about contacts
- Carrying cash or drugs
- Unexplained injuries
- Spending time with older people
- Sudden mood or behaviour changes
Signs of County Lines involvement:
- Multiple mobile phones
- Travelling long distances alone
- Time in unfamiliar properties
- Calling themselves 'soldier' or 'worker'
- Reluctant to speak with adults
- Contacted late at night
- New group of older 'friends'
IF YOU SPOT THESE SIGNS — TELL A TRUSTED ADULT OR CALL 101
You don’t need to be certain. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling.
Grooming: How it starts
- Weeks 1-2: First Contact
Friendly, charming, unusually interested in you.
- Weeks 3-4: Gifts & Attention
Food, money, clothes. They make you feel special. Nothing asked yet.
- Month 2: Isolation
‘They don’t get you like I do.’ Your support network is weakened.
- Month 3: The Ask
‘Just one small task.’ Uses gifts as leverage.
- Month 4+: Control
Fear, debt, threats. But you are the victim. It is never your fault.
What grooming sounds like...
Flattery:
‘You’re so mature for your age’
Secrecy:
‘This is just between us’
Normalising:
‘Everyone does this’
Guilt:
‘After everything I’ve done for you…’
The Law & Consequences:
Carrying a bladed weapon in public:
Maximum Penalty – Up to 4 years in prison
Threatening someone with a knife:
Maximum Penalty – Up to 4 years in prison
Using a knife to injure someone:
Maximum Penalty: Up to life imprisonment
Possessing a Banned Weapon:
Maximum Penalty: Up to 4 years in prison (no exceptions)
Beyond Prison - Lifelong Consequences:
• Criminal record affects jobs, travel, university
• Many careers blocked (medicine, law, teaching)
• Family stress and financial cost for years
• Conviction at 14 still visible at 24
How to say 'No'
Make an excuse...
‘I can’t — my mum checks my phone’ gives you time without confrontation.
Walk away...
Walk — don’t run. Head calmly toward a public place.
Use a code word...
Agree a secret word with family. Sending it means ‘come get me — no questions’.
Tell someone...
You won’t be in trouble for being targeted. Speaking up early helps.
Call 101 or 999 in an emergency...
Danger: 999. To report: 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
Support & helplines:
Free, confidential help — available right now
Childline – 0800 1111
Free, 24/7 helpline
NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000
For adults worried about a child
Missing People – 116 000
Free, 24/7 helpline
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
100% anonymous
Young Minds – Text YM to 85258
For mental health support
Fearless – www.fearless.org
Anonymous online reporting