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Knife Crime

What is it?

 A knife is considered an offensive weapon. Knife crime involves any offence where a sharp object is used or carried that can pierce the skin.

Knife crime includes:

• Carrying or trying to buy a knife if you’re under 18

• Threatening someone with a knife

• Owning a banned knife

• Injuring or killing someone with a knife

• Intending to harm someone with a knife

• Committing robbery or burglary while carrying a knife as a weapon

What are the reasons why someone might carry knife?

Common reasons are:

• Personal protection

• Fear of being attacked or vulnerable

• Intent to carry out a revenge attack

• Peer pressure, or to gain respect, particularly in relation to gangs

• To intimidate

What does the law say?

In England it is illegal to:

• Sell a knife to anyone under 18

• Carry a knife in public without a good reason.

• Carry, buy, or sell any banned knives

• Use any knife in a threatening way, even if the knife is legal

• Carry a knife for self-protection, even if you feel vulnerable or afraid—it is still illegal

In what circumstances is it legally permitted to carry knives?

Legal and Good Reasons include:

• Using it as a work tool (e.g. chef, carpenters/joiners)

• Hobbies like fishing or camping

• Religious reasons, such as carrying a kirpan