Issue

Knife Crime

10 stories · discussed at 11 council meetings · 15 councils

Councils are developing and implementing new community safety strategies, with some reporting significant reductions in knife crime, while others highlight ongoing concerns.

Councils are currently developing and implementing new strategies to address knife crime. In September 2026, Neighbourhood Watch Southwark highlighted ongoing knife crime at a Council Assembly meeting, presenting community evidence. This follows Croydon Council's adoption of a new Community Safety Strategy in July 2026, which reported a 24% decrease in knife crime since 2023, based on Metropolitan Police data. Enfield also reported a 6.4% decrease in knife crime over the past 12 months in March 2026.

Several councils are focusing on preventative approaches and community engagement. Islington Council launched a new Youth Safety Strategy in June 2026, adopting a public health approach developed through consultation. Hillingdon Council's Cabinet endorsed a new Community Safety Strategy in February 2026 to reduce serious violence. Waltham Forest Council prioritised a mission-based approach in September 2025, focusing on young black men and boys, who a report said are disproportionately affected by knife injury.

Key facts

  1. Neighbourhood Watch Southwark highlighted ongoing knife crime at a Council Assembly meeting on September 23, 2026. Source
  2. Croydon Council adopted a new Community Safety Strategy in July 2026, reporting a 24% decrease in knife crime since 2023. Source
  3. Islington Council launched a new Youth Safety Strategy for 2025-2030 in June 2026. Source
  4. Enfield reported a 6.4% decrease in knife crime over the past 12 months in March 2026. Source
  5. Hillingdon Council's Cabinet endorsed a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029 in February 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Neighbourhood Watch Southwark Highlights Knife Crime and Violence Against Women and Girls Neighbourhood Watch Southwark has highlighted the ongoing issue of knife crime and violence against women and girls in the borough. Southwark 27 September 2026
  2. Croydon Council Adopts New Community Safety Strategy with Crime Reduction Focus Croydon Council has adopted a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029, building on a reported four percent decrease in overall crime since 2023. Mayor Jason Perry... Croydon 23 July 2026
  3. Islington Council Launches New Youth Safety Strategy with Public Health Focus Islington Council has launched a new Youth Safety Strategy for 2025-2030, aiming to adopt a public health approach to protect young people. The strategy, developed through... Islington 30 June 2026
  4. Mayor Perry Outlines Priorities for Cleaner Streets and Safer Neighbourhoods Croydon's Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, has outlined his key priorities for the coming years, focusing on enhancing the borough's cleanliness and safety. In his annual statement... Croydon 30 May 2026
  5. Enfield Reports Significant Drop in Knife Crime, Especially Among Young People Enfield has experienced a significant reduction in knife crime, with a 6.4% decrease in offences over the past 12 months. This positive trend is particularly notable in knife... Enfield 25 March 2026
  6. Hillingdon Council Endorses New Community Safety Strategy Hillingdon Council's Cabinet has endorsed a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029, outlining four key priorities to enhance safety across the borough. The strategy,... Hillingdon 22 February 2026
  7. Hounslow Forum to Address Rising Crime Concerns The Hounslow South, Isleworth and Osterley & Spring Grove Area Forum convened on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, to address rising crime concerns in the borough. Hounslow 18 October 2025
  8. Waltham Forest Council Prioritizes Mission-Based Approach to Tackle Knife Crime Among Young Black Men Waltham Forest Council is prioritising a mission-based approach to tackle knife crime, with a focus on young black men and boys who are disproportionately affected. Analysis of... Waltham Forest 21 September 2025