Tackling the Surge in Knife Crime - 2026 update
How WWMT-Supported Charities Make a Difference
Last year we reported that in the year ending September 2024, England and Wales recorded approximately 55,008 offenses involving knives or sharp instruments — a figure that represented a 4% increase on the previous year. This alarming surge was widely documented, raising deep concerns about the safety and wellbeing of our communities.
Some good news! The statistics for the year ending September 2025 show a 9% drop in knife crime to around 50,430.
While this reduction is a clear move in the right direction, knife crime remains 50-55% higher now than in September 2016.
Interventions such as those made by many of the charities supported by WWMT are having a positive impact and continue to work hard to bring those figures down.
So, what’s behind the overall rise?
- Youth Violence & Gang Culture
A key factor is the increasing involvement of young people in gangs. Many carry knives for protection, status, or out of fear — often influenced by peer pressure, social media, or exposure to violence in their environments. - Socioeconomic Inequality
Poverty, lack of opportunities, and cuts to youth services create fertile ground for violence. Communities with limited access to education, employment, and social programs consistently experience higher rates of crime. - Cuts to Policing & Community Services
Austerity measures over the last decade have led to fewer police officers and reduced youth outreach programs, resulting in fewer preventative interventions and diminished support at a local level. - Social Media & Cultural Influences
Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram can fuel conflicts, with online feuds sometimes escalating into real-life violence. Drill music, too, has been controversially linked to aggressive behaviour, though many argue it reflects, rather than causes, the challenges young people face.
How do we address this?
It’s clear that no single solution exists. Instead, preventing knife crime requires a multifaceted approach — one that keeps young people engaged in education, provides them with safe spaces outside the streets, and offers tailored support to those already at risk.
This is precisely the kind of work the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT) supports. Let’s take a look at three of the many charities funded by WWMT, each tackling the issue in their unique way:
Palace for Life Foundation
The official charity of Crystal Palace FC, Palace for Life runs the Breaking the Cycle program, specifically designed to address youth violence in South London. This WWMT-supported initiative delivers one-to-one mentoring and group sessions for young people aged 8-19 at risk of criminal involvement. By focusing on resilience, self-esteem, and providing positive role models, they help guide young people away from violence and towards fulfilling futures.
The Ben Kinsella Trust
The Ben Kinsella Trust educates young people on the dangers of knife crime and help them to make positive choices to stay safe. Our workshops follow the journey of both the victim and the offender through a series of unique and immersive experiences to show young people how choices and consequences are intrinsically linked.
Our workshops change young people’s attitudes to knife crime; debunking the myth that carrying a knife will protect you. They strengthen peer values; ensuring young people give better advice to each other and challenge peers who are carrying (or thinking of carrying) a knife.
Regenerate
Regenerate inspires and supports young people by building strong relationships and creating life changing opportunities; helping them grow in confidence, make the best of their lives and impact the world for good.
Regenerate works with young people aged 10-24 in South West London, who are facing barriers such as mental health issues, exposure to poverty or crime, marginalisation, or being NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Through three person-centred services – Youth and Sports clubs; Mentoring and Coaching; Employment and Training – as well as eye-opening and transformative trips and residentials, young people build confidence, social skills, self-management, the ability to plan, and other vital life skills, leading to a brighter future where they are safe, empowered and thriving.
Why your efforts matter.
Though their methods may differ, these charities share one core belief: every young person deserves the chance to realise their potential, free from the shadow of crime and violence. That belief is shared by WWMT.
Sadly, in recent years, many of the services that support vulnerable young people have been lost due to funding cuts. We hope this snapshot shows just how vital the work of these charities is — and how devastating the loss of such services can be to the wellbeing of the communities they serve.
We are deeply grateful to all our supporters who enable us to continue this important work. Your contributions, whether through riding Le Loop or fundraising, make a real difference.
To learn more about the inspiring charities we support, visit www.wwmt.org.
