Knife Crime Surges Across England and Wales with London Responsible for a Third of All Incidents
New data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that London accounts for nearly a third of all knife crime in England and Wales, with a bladed weapon offence occurring every 30 minutes in the capital.
The Metropolitan Police recorded 16,789 knife offences in 2024, an average of 46 per day, marking a 14% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. Nationally, there were 54,587 recorded knife crimes, up 2% from 2023.
According to the ONS, the highest concentrations of knife-enabled offences were in:
London (31%)
West Midlands (9%)
Greater Manchester (6%)
Knife-enabled crime includes incidents where blades were used to injure, threaten, or were present during an offence — even if not directly seen.
Despite the rise in overall incidents, knife-related homicides fell to 216, down 16% from 2023’s 258. However, possession of bladed articles rose, with 28,150 cases logged, up 1% year-on-year.
The shocking figures coincide with the court appearance of Abdirazak Omar, 29, who has been charged with the murder of Pamela Munro, 45, in Enfield, north London, during the Easter weekend. She died from a single knife wound.
The figures also come amid a broader spike in crime, with shoplifting offences passing half a million for the first time, rising 20% year-on-year.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson blamed long-term cuts to neighbourhood policing and pledged that the Labour government would prioritise tackling community crime, including expanding the number of officers on the streets.
