KNIFE crime has decreased by 15.4 per cent in South Yorkshire, according to police figures released today.
Police say the reduction in the last financial year includes offences like robbery and wounding where a sharp instrument or knife was used.
Although a report to South Yorkshire Police Authority says there has been an increase of 47 offences involv
ing knives between April and June 2008/9 compared to the same period in 2007/08, it says the rise is due to new offences being included in the figures, especially actual bodily harm.
This is the first time figures for knife crime have been released since the government asked forces to start gathering numbers in April 2007.
Police say young people are involved in a third of offences and the decrease follows presentations to thousands of school pupils.
n A woman was threatened with a knife by a robber in her bedroom at 5.15am on Sunday in South Street, Thurcroft, Rotherham.
The man, who was wearing her purple Mambo jacket, stole her large yellow and grey striped purse.
The robber was white, bald, aged 20 to 30, around 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build.
Contact DC Rachel Morton with information on 01709 832265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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