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

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 recorded by the police in 2019, which was a two per cent reduction on the previous year.

Of the crimes recorded, knives were a feature in two murders, 25 attempted murders, 81 threats to kill, 561 assaults, 291 robberies and 10 rapes or sexual assaults.

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Diana Fawcett, chief executive of Victim Support, voiced concern over the knife crime figures, adding: “Although the streets are quieter, the impact of knife crime is still being felt.

“Many victims will still be dealing with the emotional consequences of threats or attacks which took place long ago.”

Last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he would lead a new Cabinet committee looking at ways to tackle crime and told ministers that every department should consider itself a criminal justice department as part of a drive to look at the ‘complex causes of crime’.

Yesterday, his official spokesman said: “I think the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have both been very clear about the importance they place on tackling knife crime and that's why we've given more powers and more resources.

“It's very clear that there's more to be done to crack down on thugs carrying knives and ensuring they are properly punished.”