Knife crime reduction in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is one of the biggest in the country

Hampshire and Isle of Wight has been highlighted in a new study that shows knife crime offences have fallen by 19% in the area since 2022.

The research, carried out by the security company Get Licensed assessed data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) on police forces across the UK.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has praised officers for their unrelenting crackdown on knife-related crime and has commended the region’s partnership working to reduce serious violence which has led to the dramatic decrease.

Speaking on the issue at the start of 2025, PCC Donna Jones said: “I have been clear tackling knife crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is a top priority. I am pleased with the trajectory that the police force is on, resulting in hundreds of weapons permanently taken off our streets saving lives.

“People, including children, have a right to feel safe without the need to carry a knife. Research shows young men, some children, are more likely to carry a knife for protection and are more likely to be victims of knife crime. Education, working in partnership with councils, and addressing the root causes of habitual knife carrying is central to successful knife crime reduction.

“As Police Commissioner, I fund intensive programmes that work with young people and habitual knife carriers. I’ve installed permanent knife amnesty bins across both our counties whilst commissioning intensive programmes for young people involved in drug gangs, to help them leave the gang culture behind, and live a life free from violence, intimidation and crime.”

The Police Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) delivers projects for under 25s steering them away from knife crime, serious violence, and exploitation. PCC Donna Jones created the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) in 2024. It works together with the VRU, local communities, police, probation, health authorities, youth justice services, fire and rescue, and local authorities to reduce knife crime and helps all partners address their legal obligations in reducing serious violence.

PCC Donna Jones added: “A 19% drop in knife crime is proof what we’re doing is having an impact, but there is more work to be done. Proactive policing must continue to be combined with investment in youth services and effective partnership working. A lack of youth provision and adequate alternative programmes for those for whom school is not appropriate, is contributing to the recruitment of gang members.”

Get Licenced released the statistics here Knife Crime in England: 2024 Statistics & Hotspots | Get Licensed