Knife Crime Information

Knife crime has sadly dominated our headlines through 2008, in particular the growing list of teenagers killed in London with blades. 

But official figures say that knife crime in London is actually falling, so behind the headlines here are some of the facts about knives, crime and the law. At the bottom of the page are links for more information and advice, for you and your family.

• It is generally an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority (for example, a good reason is a chef on the way to work carrying their own knives)

• It is illegal for any shop to sell a knife of any kind (including cutlery and kitchen knives) to anyone under the age of 18

• Police can search anyone they suspect of carrying a knife.

• The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5000.

• Metropolitan Police figures say knife crime in London is falling.  They recorded 10,220 knife enabled crimes in the year Apr 2007 – March 2008. Down from 12,124 the previous year, a fall of 15.7%

Useful links for young people

Teenagers own accounts of how knives have affected them  (‘It doesn’t have to happen’ campaign)

Safety advice for young people (Metropolitan Police)

Information on Police stop and search (Home Office)

Information about being searched at school (Need2Know)

Information about laws on weapons (Need2Know)

An ex-gang-member’s story (Need2Know)

Useful links for parents

Information for parents on keeping your children safe  (government website)

Advice for parents on talking to your children about knife crime (government website)

Return to the ITV Local Crime Channel