UK boosts fight against knife crime with new campaign

The UK Government has kicked off a new campaign to stop knife crime in parts of London.

This comes with a warning to offenders about more police actions that include metal detectors, live facial recognition tech, and extra patrols.

The campaign, called ‘No Place for Knives’, started on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Westminster and Croydon. Ads will be seen at tube stations, bus stops, social media, and a mural at Boxpark Croydon.

The Home Office said this campaign aims to discourage knife crime in areas with high incidents and to let people know there will be more police presence.

The new police measures include “smarter metal detection, rapid-response electric bikes, extra foot patrols, and live facial recognition.”

This campaign is also being tested in Birmingham city center.

The Home Office mentioned that this plan was made with the police and local councils to focus on those who are likely to commit knife crimes.

The department stated that “Westminster, Croydon, and 16 other boroughs in Greater London have received more than £8.1m through its Knife Crime Concentrations Fund to carry out targeted efforts.”

This funding will support both enforcement actions and preventive measures, such as youth outreach and visible safety patrols in busy nightlife areas.

The Home Office shared recent statistics showing that “knife crime has fallen by 11 percent since the General Election,” while “knife-related homicides dropped by 25 percent and knife-enabled robbery by 18 percent.”

In London, “knife crime reportedly decreased by 14 percent in the same time, while knife-related homicides fell by 34 percent and knife-enabled robbery by 19 percent.”

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said people in Westminster and Croydon should feel safe in their neighborhoods.

“Everyone in Westminster and Croydon deserves to feel safe on their streets. We know that hearing about knife crime in your city can make people uneasy, and we want to change that,” she said.

She also mentioned that the government is working with police to focus on knife crime in areas where it does the most damage.

“‘No Place for Knives’ sends a strong message: we are taking action, and we won’t allow anyone to put young lives and our communities at risk,” Jones said.

This campaign is part of the government’s aim to reduce knife crime by half in ten years by enforcing tougher measures, prevention, and early intervention.

Commander Pete Stevens of the Metropolitan Police stated that knife crime has serious effects on victims’ families and communities.

“Our officers put in a lot of effort to fight this pointless violence, focusing our resources on those who are the biggest threat,” he said.

Stevens mentioned that knife-enabled crime declined by 14.9 percent across London last financial year, while hospitalizations from sharp weapon attacks fell by 29 percent over five years.

Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, urged anyone with information about knife carrying and violence to report it anonymously.

He said sharing information could help prevent harm, protect young people, and create safer neighborhoods.

Patrick Green, Chief Executive Officer of the Ben Kinsella Trust, praised the campaign, especially the involvement of young people in its design.

He noted that young people understand the pressures and fears that can lead to knife carrying.

Green believes that including their experiences will help promote safer choices and reduce violence.