The West Midlands Police area now holds the highest rate of knife crime offences in England and Wales, according to the latest national figures. In 2023, the number of offences involving a blade per 100,000 of the population in the West Midlands reached 180, a rise from 167 in 2022. This surpasses the London Metropolitan Police's total of 165.

Despite the increase in knife crime, the broader crime picture in the West Midlands region has improved. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports an overall 5% decline in crime across all regional forces. Specifically, West Midlands Police (WMP) has experienced a 6.8% reduction in crime, including decreases in violent crime, burglaries, and the possession of offensive weapons.

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green attributed this progress to the force’s efforts to enhance their operations. "We have been working very hard over the past 12 months to improve the force, and since changing our operating model in April last year, we have made substantial and sustained improvements in some important areas," Green stated.

Despite these improvements, the ONS noted a "noticeable increase" of 20% in the number of robberies involving a knife or sharp instrument. The West Midlands leads with 180 such offences per 100,000 of the population, followed by the Metropolitan Police with 165 and Cleveland with 143.

On the lower end of the spectrum, Dyfed-Powys in southwest Wales reported the fewest knife crime offences, with 32 per 100,000 of the population. North Yorkshire followed with 36, and Sussex with 40.

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