Knife Crime

West Mercia doesn't have the same levels of knife crime as some major cities and urban areas of the country.  We also don't have a major culture of knife-carrying across the force area.  Even so, we are determined to reduce the small number of knife-crime incidents even further.

What's The True Picture?

In total, incidents involving knives account for less than one percent of all crimes recorded in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.   Many of these incidents simply involved a knife being carried as an offensive weapon, rather than it being used.  In the very few cases which have resulted in serious injury, police have conducted full and thorough investigations in order to bring offenders to justice.

The force is not complacent and officers continue to take a proactive approach to knife crime. Where people are found carrying knives, either as a fashion accessory or in the mistaken belief that it is some form of self-defence, they are dealt with robustly.

When Is A Knife An Offensive Weapon?

If a knife is used in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife), it is regarded as an 'offensive weapon' by the law. This is also the case with things like screwdrivers - once used in a threatening manner, they are treated as offensive weapons.

It is against the law to carry an offensive weapon in a public place if you don't have a reasonable explanation (for example a chef carrying kitchen knives while on their way to work). This means that carrying something that could be viewed as an offensive weapon, and then using it in a threatening way, could mean that you are prosecuted.

There is a complete ban on the sale of certain types of knives categorised as offensive weapons, regardless of their use and these include:

• flick knives - knives where the blade is hidden inside the handle and shoots out when a button is pressed; these are also called 'switchblades' or 'automatic knives'
• butterfly knives - where the blade is hidden inside a handle that splits in two around it, like wings; the handles swing around the blade to open or close it
• disguised knives - where the blade is hidden inside something like a belt buckle or fake mobile phone

What's The Law?

• The maximum penalty for carrying an offensive weapon is four years in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.
• It's illegal for any shop to sell a knife of any kind (including cutlery and kitchen knives) to anyone under the age of 18.
  
• Knives where the blade folds into the handle, like a Swiss Army Knife, aren't illegal as long as the blade is shorter than three inches (7.62 cms).
• Police officers may stop you, and have the right to search any person or vehicle, if they suspect you of an offence - including carrying an offensive weapon.

Disposing Of Unwanted Knives

If you have a knife that you would like to dispose of safely, please contact your local policing team or visit your nearest police station for advice.