Figures seen by the Bedford Independent reveal Bedfordshire has some of the highest rates for knife crime when compared to other police force areas in England.
The news comes just days after a teenager was stabbed to death at Bedford bus station.
Read: Teenage boy murdered at Bedford bus station
The figures were compiled by security experts at Get Licensed, who analysed the number of crimes reported between July 2023 and June 2024 using data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
The data showed Bedfordshire amongst the top ten police force areas in England for the number of offences involving a knife per 10,000 people.
| Rank | Police force area | Population | Total offences involving a knife | Total offences involving a knife per 10,000 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of London/Met Police | 8,866,100 | 15,859 | 17.89 |
| 2 | Cleveland | 579,300 | 812 | 14.02 |
| 3 | South Yorkshire | 1,392,100 | 1,492 | 10.72 |
| 4 | West Yorkshire | 2,378,100 | 2,334 | 9.81 |
| 5 | Avon and Somerset | 1,765,400 | 1,670 | 9.46 |
| 6 | Humberside | 943,000 | 883 | 9.36 |
| 7 | Merseyside | 1,442,100 | 1,300 | 9.01 |
| 8 | Bedfordshire | 715,900 | 644 | 9.00 |
| 9 | West Midlands | 6,021,700 | 5,122 | 8.51 |
| 10 | Essex | 1,877,300 | 1,509 | 8.04 |
Further analysis of the data also revealed Bedfordshire has the highest rate of threats to kill offences involving a knife in England, with 1.72 offences per 10,000 people and the highest rate of knife-related attempted murders in England, at 0.18 offences per 10,000 people.
Addressing the data, superintendent Alex House, who leads on violence prevention at Bedfordshire Police, said that in the latter part of last year, from August to October 2024, incidents involving knives had actually “decreased by 36 per cent”.
That’s when compared to the same period the previous year.
He attributed this to police officers in the area being involved in several initiatives aimed at reducing knife-related offences, “including proactive patrols and engagements” and knife bins across the county where weapons can be securely left without any questions.
“Over the past six months, more than 1,500 knives and other weapons have been safely recovered from knife bins across the county as part of our ongoing efforts to remove knives from the streets,” he said.
But he does acknowledge more needs to be done.
“Knife crime is a complex issue and remains a priority for the force. We conduct dedicated operations and deploy resources every day to proactively address knife crime in our communities.
“Our efforts also include educating young people with impactful messages and offering opportunities that steer them away from crime.
“Tackling knife crime requires collective responsibility and a multi-agency approach. Our collaboration with partners, including the Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit and their commissioned projects, has been instrumental in achieving these results.
“We continue to support and amplify their knife crime awareness campaign, urging young people to ‘Think Twice, Think Life, and Just Drop It.”
11 year olds with knives
Last month, a joint report found that serious youth violence in England is widespread and not restricted to particular ethnic or demographic groups.
The Guardian reported that inspectors were told children as young as 11 are carrying knives for protection.
An inspection team from schools, police forces, and the probation service found that youth violence could be reduced by careful early intervention. Still, they warned that the dangers facing children were more far-reaching than realised by many adults.
Martyn Oliver, the chief inspector of Ofsted, said that “urgent action is needed now” to keep children safe.
“Knife crime is blighting the lives of too many children in England. It’s a national scandal. It’s very disturbing that children as young as 11 feel they need to carry a knife for their own protection.
“Where we see local partnerships are working well together, it makes a real difference. So I hope this report helps improve practice, knowledge and understanding for all local areas,” Oliver said.
Michelle Skeer, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, added, “It is vital that police forces intervene at the earliest opportunity to disrupt the risk to children and young people.
“Forces must continue to strengthen their partnerships, communicate effectively, and share information consistently to protect children.”
For information on Bedifrdhsire’s anti-knife crime campaign, Just Drop It, visit bedsveru.org/just-drop-it.
