Special Report: Figures Reveal Despite Officers Removing Knives From Our Streets Just 30% Of those Are Given Prison Sentences.

New figures reveal a troubling truth about how knife crime is being handled across the UK — and particularly in London.

At the end of 2024, just 30% of offenders caught in possession of a knife or offensive weapon were handed an immediate custodial sentence. In London, that figure is believed to be even lower — meaning as few as one in ten offenders may face jail time.

This comes as police forces across the capital continue to seize an alarming number of weapons. Only last week, Havering police recovered a Samurai sword from an individual in Romford. Despite the seriousness of such cases, the courts are often allowing offenders to walk free.

Police officers are doing their job and removing these weapons, they are being taken off our streets daily and comprehensive case files are being submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service — yet all too often, the final decision made in court fails to match the gravity of the offence.

Thirty per cent are jailed. Seventy per cent not.

London continues to record the highest rate of knife crime in the country. In the year ending March 2024, it’s believed there were more than 15,000 knife-related offences across the capital.

At the end of September 2023- a record high 38% of repeat offenders avoided jail despite a law that mandates 6 months sentence for adults on second conviction.

23% received suspended sentences.

Only 16% of knife offences in London resulted in a charge or sanction in recent years. Yet when the Met Police was able to undertake stop and search and weapon sweeps, more than 2,000 knives were recovered.

Over 15,000 knife offences took place in London in the year ending March 2024. Approximately 46 knife related offences a day.

So who is really failing our communities?

Knife crime has been described as a public health crisis for years — yet little has changed beyond meetings to discuss further meetings. Communities have seen the same cycle repeated again and again, while the violence continues to rise.

With 70% of those found in possession of weapons avoiding prison, the extremely obvious question must be asked: is this failure to enforce serious consequences fuelling the rise in violent crime?

Police officers are growing disheartened. Victims feel justice is not being served. Communities are tired of waiting for action.

Meanwhile, those carrying knives and weapons continue to do so — with confidence that they’ll likely walk free.

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