- Government launches plan to halve knife crime within a decade
- Targeted support for schools and tougher action on hotspots
- Early intervention and prevention at the heart of keeping communities safe
Keeping our communities safe is one of the most important responsibilities of government. That’s why I welcome the launch of a new national plan to halve knife crime within a decade, combining early intervention, targeted policing and stronger action against those who exploit young people.
Here in Plymouth, we are fortunate to have a relatively low level of knife crime compared to many other parts of the country. But that’s not something we can ever take for granted – and this plan is about making sure it stays that way.
What this means for Plymouth
This plan takes a smarter, more targeted approach to tackling knife crime – focusing on prevention as well as enforcement.
Up to 250 schools in areas most at risk will receive specialist support to help identify young people at risk of being drawn into violence, with additional support for the 50 highest-risk schools.
A new £1.2 million Safety In & Around Schools Partnership will also help schools keep pupils safe on their journeys to and from school, with practical measures like mentoring and local safety planning.
Alongside this, police will be equipped with new state-of-the-art mapping technology to identify knife crime hotspots down to specific streets and times of day – allowing for more targeted patrols and interventions where they are needed most.
This is backed by increased investment in policing, including £26 million to target high-risk areas and over £34 million to tackle County Lines gangs who exploit young people and fuel violence.
Why this matters
Knife crime devastates lives – not just for victims, but for families and communities too.
What’s clear from the evidence is that early intervention works. Giving young people the right support, a trusted adult, and opportunities to succeed can stop problems before they start.
That’s why this plan focuses not just on enforcement, but on prevention, making sure young people get the support they need and stopping them from being drawn into violence in the first place.
Since the start of this Parliament, knife crime has already fallen, with fewer offences, fewer hospital admissions and fewer lives lost.
Keeping Plymouth safe
Plymouth is a safe city, and I’m determined that it stays that way.
This plan is about acting early, targeting the right areas, and making sure we never allow the levels of violence seen elsewhere to take hold here.
By combining stronger policing with early intervention and support for young people, we can continue to protect our communities and give every young person the chance to grow up free from fear.
There is more to do, but this is a step in the right direction, and I will continue working with local partners to make sure Plymouth remains a safe place to live, work and grow up.