Latest figures reveal scale of knife crime problem on streets of South Yorkshire

Knife crime reached a record high in England and Wales last year, with 45,627 offences recorded – up seven per cent on the previous 12 months
By Claire Lewis
Published 24th Apr 2020, 08:18 BST
Updated 24th Apr 2020, 08:19 BST
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Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show a 49 per cent hike in such offences since the data was first released in 2011.

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In South Yorkshire there were 970 crimes involving knives, which was a two per cent reduction on the previous year.

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Knife crime figures for South Yorkshire have been released by the Office for National StatisticsKnife crime figures for South Yorkshire have been released by the Office for National Statistics
Knife crime figures for South Yorkshire have been released by the Office for National Statistics

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Of the crimes recorded, knives were a feature in two murders, 25 attempted murders, 561 assaults, 291 robberies and 10 sex offences.

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South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, said ‘decreases in crime are very much to be welcomed’.

He added: “The figures for knife and sharp instrument offences have decreased in South Yorkshire by two per cent, whereas in England and Wales as a whole,excluding Greater Manchester, there has been a rise of seven per cent. This is good news for the county.”