Labour’s policing minister has commended a 10% decrease in reports of knife-related crimes over the past year, alongside a decline in homicides in England and Wales, as per new data. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released figures indicating a decrease in shoplifting reports after reaching record highs.
According to the ONS data, there were 49,151 blade-related offenses in the 12 months leading up to December 2025, down from 54,548 in the previous year. Additionally, homicides decreased by 6% to 503 in England and Wales during that period.
While robberies involving knives also saw a decline, the Home Office, under the guidance of Ms. Jones, aims to sustain this positive trend. The Labour Party, upon assuming power in 2024, made a commitment to reduce knife crime by half within a decade.
Despite a marginal 1% reduction in reported shop theft cases, totaling nearly 510,000 within a year, the overall charge rate for shoplifting suspects increased by 17%, attributed to enhanced town center patrols, as per separate Home Office data.
Notably, knife-related killings dropped by 21% to 172, leading to a decrease in the homicide rate to 8.1 per million people from 8.9 in 2024. The total number of knife offenses is 11% lower compared to 2020, as highlighted by ONS experts.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones, speaking to The Mirror, emphasized the government’s commitment to halving knife crime within the next decade. She praised the progress evidenced by the data, citing a 27% decrease in knife-related homicides since the start of the current government term.
Jones stated, “Knife-enabled offenses have declined by 10% in the past year, equating to nearly 5,400 fewer traumatic incidents, the lowest since 2021.” She also pointed out a 15% reduction in robberies involving knives, attributing it to the effectiveness of the new Knife-Enabled Robbery Taskforce targeting high-risk areas.
Acknowledging the positive trends, Jones emphasized the need for long-term change, emphasizing that sustained progress is vital. The government recently unveiled its strategy to combat knife crime, including a £26 million investment in a Knife Crime Concentrations Fund to support 27 police forces covering 90% of knife crime areas in England and Wales.
Moreover, specialized training and support will be provided to 250 schools in high-risk areas, aiming to enhance child safety. By the end of the current parliamentary term, 50 Young Futures Hubs will be established in the most affected regions, offering crucial support and safe environments for under-18s.
The government’s initiatives seek to prevent youth involvement in criminal activities, with a focus on addressing the root causes of violence. While recognizing the ongoing challenges, Jones affirmed that progress is evident and emphasized the importance of continued efforts.
The ONS data also indicated an 11% reduction in thefts, with domestic burglary decreasing by 22% and vehicle theft down by 14%. The estimated total number of fraud cases stood at 4.4 million, up from 4.1 million in 2024, while statisticians reported no significant change in the overall number of serious crimes compared to the previous year.
