Force sees 39 per cent fall in knife robberies
22 May 2026
A Government and police initiative has brought about a 39 per cent reduction in knife robberies in the Force area, the joint largest percentage fall across England and Wales.
The reduction in the West Midlands was only matched by British Transport Police, according to figures released as part of Knife Crime Awareness Week which started on Monday (18 May) and runs until Sunday.
The new Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the seven highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21 per cent) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026.
“We very welcome this drop in knife robberies,” says Jess Davies, chair of West Midlands Police Federation, “Any initiative that successfully tackles this issue deserves to be recognised as do all those involved, such as our frontline police officers.
“Too many young people have lost their lives due to the scourge of knife crime, with their lives cut heartbreakingly short and their families and friends left to try to rebuild their own shattered lives.
“We now need to see a continued drive towards further reductions in these offences with sustained long-term investment in tackling and preventing knife crime. In order for this good work to be sustained, all roads lead to staffing levels. Policing is in crisis and that is affecting the safety of our frontline officers and the public we serve.”
Jess added: “Of course, we have to get knives off our streets, but we also need to develop a better understanding of why knife crime has become so prevalent; we are tackling crime, but we need to tackle the reasons for crime too.”
Innovation
The Government says the figures demonstrate the impact of the innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that have come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group set up in October 2024.
The Force is part of the group along with the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces allowing them to work together on tackling the issue.
It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.
Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: “These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.
“I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm.
“I am determined to build on this progress as part of this Government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.”
Downward trend
The reductions are, the Government says, part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27 per cent fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. A total of 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions.
Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. It puts a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across the Government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.
The reduction in knife robberies has been welcomed by Pooja Kanda, whose 16-year-old son, Ronan, was murdered close to his home in Wolverhampton after he visited a friend's house to buy a PlayStation controller in June 2022.
Pooja, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda and a member of the Government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, said: “We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.
“Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations. The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.”
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