Knife robberies down by more than a fifth, says Labour government

‘Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect’

Knife robberies have fallen sharply in major cities in England thanks to joint government and police action to tackle one of the most harmful forms of violence and make communities safe.

New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of this violent crime.

The continuing fall follows a period when knife robberies were rising. Since 2024, the new focused national leadership and close partnership with policing have turned the tide. The results, published at the start of Knife Crime Awareness Week, demonstrate the impact of innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that has come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group.

The group, set up in October 2024, brings together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces to work together on tackling the issue.

It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.

“I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm.

“I am determined to build on this progress as part of this government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.”

Every police force involved has recorded sustained reductions. The largest percentage falls were seen in West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down by 39%, alongside a 17% reduction in the Metropolitan Police. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire have also seen decreases, ranging from 10% to 21%.

As part of their ongoing efforts, Greater Manchester Police this month launched its new City of Manchester robbery team with dedicated officers targeting knife robberies and offenders in the heart of the city. Part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively targeting offenders and offences when they occur.

Force lead for robbery at Greater Manchester Police, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: “Knife-enabled robbery is a crime that causes untold and lasting harm to its victims. In addition to the impact on the victims themselves these offences often happen in open and public spaces, and so affect feelings of safety in the local community.

“Within GMP, we are committed to the role of effective neighbourhood policing in providing public reassurance, preventing these offences and responding efficiently when they do.

“As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has invested in the creation of a new City of Manchester robbery team who will be tackling all aspects of robbery, including knife-enabled robbery. These frontline officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively target offenders and when offences do occur, they will provide a best standard of initial investigation to maximise opportunities to bring offenders to justice.

“We are proud to support the government’s ambition to reduce knife-enabled robbery and to be part to the Home Office taskforce set up to achieve this goal. Through the taskforce we are able to increase knowledge, share best practice and test new ideas to keep our communities safe.”

The reductions are part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27% fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions. Together, these indicators show real progress in reducing the most serious harm and keeping communities safer.

This targeted action is one example of the government’s broader response to knife crime. The latest results and the week of intensified police activity follow the publication of ‘protecting lives, building hope: a plan to halve knife crime’, which brings together action across government, policing and local partners to drive progress and end the cycle of knife crime. The plan sets out a long‑term approach combining tough enforcement with prevention, early intervention and community‑led solutions, as part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.

Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.

Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “These figures show that coordinated national leadership from the government, and targeted policing, are making a tangible difference, with thousands fewer knife robberies than just 2 years ago. It’s important to recognise that behind every reduction is a life spared the fear, harm or long-lasting impact of violence.

“However, Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights that real, lasting change depends on all of us. We cannot rely on enforcement alone; we must continue to prioritise prevention, work closely with young people, and ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make safe decisions long before they ever feel pressure to carry a knife.”

The week also sees a wave of activity across England and Wales for Operation Sceptre, with intensified action from forces up and down the country to tackle knife crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets and preventing violence before it happens. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the week will see forces carry out targeted enforcement alongside community engagement, including weapons sweeps, test-purchase operations to stop illegal knife sales, knife surrender activity and work in schools and neighbourhoods.

Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime and Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said: “The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.

“While the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are essential and this is a key focus of our work in the newly launched National Knife Crime Centre.

“Reducing knife crime remains a priority and policing plays a pivotal role in enforcement activity, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent young people carrying knives.

“Officers and staff work tirelessly every day to tackle knife crime and this week, Sceptre highlights the many activities policing undertakes to keep our communities safe.”

Delivering on its plan, and building on these results, the Home Office will continue to work closely with policing partners to build on this progress, expand what works and keep the pressure on knife crime – driving down violence now, while building a safer future for the next generation.

Pooja Kanda, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, and member of the UK government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “It is encouraging to see knife-enabled robberies down by 21% across key hotspot areas, and over 63,000 knives removed from our streets since July 2024.

“We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.”

Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations.

The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.

Man jailed for murder of Ndata Bobb in Edinburgh

A 56-year-old man has been jailed following the murder of a woman in Restalrig. Momodou Bobb was given a life sentence, with a minimum of 16 years and eight months, at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Tuesday, 19 May, 2026), following the death of Ndata Bobb.

Around 1am on Thursday, 28 August, 2025, officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a property on Restalrig Avenue in the city.

Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, where she died a short time later.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Ndata at this extremely difficult time.

“This was a heartbreaking and senseless crime that took the life of a much-loved woman and devoted mother.

“We remain committed to bringing those who commit such violent acts to justice.”

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “We understand that such a tragic incident has had a profound effect on Ndata’s family and friends, and it is important we continue to provide support at this difficult time.

“Our community advisors and community representatives helped shape our response during and after this incident, providing invaluable insight into Gambian culture and helping us to understand their needs.

“Crimes of this nature can also impact the wider public and we extensively engage and work directly with communities to address any concerns and provide reassurance.

“We are committed to continuing to strengthen our positive relationships with African communities in Edinburgh and ensuring that all the people we serve have trust and confidence in policing and feel able to speak to us, whether it is to report a crime or share information.”

SPFL Statement on Celtic vs Hearts league title decider

THE SPFL HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

“Firstly, we send our congratulations to Celtic on winning the William Hill Premiership in the most exciting of circumstances and our commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian following an incredible campaign.

“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day. Given the speculation about the conclusion of the game, we would like to make clear that, prior to awarding the trophy, we were informed by the match referee that the match had ended and had not been abandoned.

“Yesterday’s match showed off the very best of the Scottish game and the drama and excitement that it is rightly famed for. The eyes of the world were on Glasgow and the climax of the William Hill Premiership, with millions of viewers watching the match on Sky Sports and across the globe.

“However, we utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach onto the field of play. We await the report of our match delegate regarding any specific incidents that took place but, regardless, supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk.

We note that entering the pitch in England and Wales has been a criminal offence since 1991.

“We urge anyone with information about any alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.”

Two officers seriously injured and 14 arrests made following disorder in Glasgow

Fourteen people were arrested in Glasgow during and after Celtic’s Premiership title win on Saturday, 16 May, 2026.

Four arrests were made at Parkhead stadium during the match and 10 in the Trongate area of the city. They relate to a number of offences including mobbing and rioting, resisting arrest, police assault and possession of offensive weapons. Officers also seized pyrotechnics and alcohol at both locations.

During the violence that followed, two officers were seriously injured and three members of the public required hospital treatment.

Significant work remains ongoing around the disorder and officers will be reviewing CCTV and capturing statements to identify those responsible.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “The large majority of people at the Trongate yesterday were in a celebratory mood and simply wanted to support the victory of their team.

“However, we once again saw significant disorder and anti-social behaviour when police responded to a medical emergency within the crowd. A man was found unresponsive after taking unwell and continues to receive treatment in hospital. While dealing with this, our officers came under sustained attack from missiles and bottles, which resulted in two of them being seriously injured.

“I cannot condemn this behaviour strongly enough. It is completely unacceptable.

“Our officers must be kept safe when doing their job. They acted bravely, courageously and with the highest degree of professionalism throughout the event. They took decisive action, which was entirely appropriate, to clear those intent on violence and disorder, and make arrests.

“The minority of individuals involved will face the most robust action from Police Scotland and partners as we move forward. If you were involved in criminality, expect us to be knocking at your door.

“Once again, Police Scotland has been left holding the responsibility and accountability for supporters away from the stadium at the Trongate.

“We have strong and positive relationships with Celtic Football Club and Glasgow City Council on a day-to-day basis to keep people safe, but on this particular issue more must be done.

“Celtic FC and football authorities, working with local authorities and Police Scotland, must take greater responsibility. This cannot happen again at any future celebrations.”

We are also carrying out enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from Parkhead stadium in Glasgow following the pitch invasion and disorder that followed. We continue to engage with Hearts of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted on the pitch.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

We would appeal to anyone with footage or photos of criminality from Parkhead or around the Trongate area to upload it using the online form here:

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26X10-PO1

Information can also be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting Operation Gristaline. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Four further arrests were also made in the vicinity of Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, 16 May, 2026 in connection with breach of the peace, and assault and robbery offences.

QR code alternative for the MIPP.

Man arrested and charged for drugs offences in Edinburgh

A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences in Edinburgh.

Police officers executed warrants at Salamander Street, Breadalbane Street and Western Harbour Way yesterday. Cannabis with an estimated street value of around £895,000 was discovered along with cash.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Wednesday, 29 April, 2026.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery demonstrates the ongoing efforts to combat serious and organised in Edinburgh.

“We remain committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information from the public is vital in helping us target those involved in the supply of drugs. Anyone with concerns about drugs in their area is encouraged to contact police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Man jailed for the attempted murder of 29-year-old man in Edinburgh

A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years and five months in prison for attempted murder in Edinburgh.

Josh Reynolds pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 20 March, 2026 and was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 24 April, 2026.

He was also disqualified from driving for 13 years.

The incident happened around 9.40pm on Friday, 26 September, 2025, when Reynolds deliberately drove a Peugeot Partner panel van at a 29-year-old man on Prestonfield Avenue.

The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment for life-threatening injuries.

Detective Constable Joanne Robertson said: “This was a serious and deliberate act which could have resulted in the loss of a young man’s life. Reynolds will now face the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their assistance throughout our enquiries, as well as the officers involved in the investigation.

“Violence of this nature has no place in our communities and we will continue to work to ensure those responsible of such crimes are brought to justice.”

Police Scotland: National Stalking Awareness Week

Hundreds of people report being victims of stalking each year in Scotland

Police Scotland recorded 744 stalking offences between 1 April to 31 December 2025, up from 686 in the same period the year before, with detection rates of 78.13% and 80.88%, respectively. Almost half of these crimes were related to domestic offending.

National Stalking Awareness Week runs between 20 and 26 April and Police Scotland is joining forces with partner Action Against Stalking to highlight the impact of stalking and harassment and call out the importance of supporting victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Sergeant, lead for domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, Police Scotland, said: “The impact of stalking and harassment on victims cannot be underestimated.

“As well as causing fear and alarm, it impacts on how they live their lives, how safe they feel, how they act and how they react. Police Scotland will continue to collaborate with partner agencies to protect and support victims of stalking and actively pursue perpetrators to prevent further harm.

“Every stalking situation is unique, but most stalkers demonstrate FOUR distinct types of behaviours: fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated.

“Victims can be subjected to unwanted calls, texts, or messages. It can include hacking into devices and installing tracking apps, taking control of someone’s social media profile, or sharing or threatening to share photos, videos, or personal information.

“If you or anyone you know is a victim of stalking, then please contact the police. We will listen.

“Information people share with us is vital in helping us put together that jigsaw of incidents and behaviours that taken together allows us to evidence stalking.

“Action Against Stalking advises keeping a log of incidents, and this can be extremely helpful for our investigations.

“We will assess the risk, put in place a safety plan and work with partners to ensure support is available.

“National Stalking Awareness Week is a reminder to us all of the impact of stalking and harassment and the importance of partnership in tackling this insidious abuse.”

Hayley Tennant, Action Against Stalking CEO said: “Stalking can have a devastating and long lasting impact on victims, affecting their sense of safety, wellbeing, and everyday freedom. It is not a series of minor incidents but a pattern of behaviour that can escalate and cause serious harm.

“National Stalking Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind victims that they are not alone, that support is available, and that early reporting and documenting incidents can be crucial in helping them regain control and stay safe. We always encourage individuals who are experiencing stalking to contact and report to Police Scotland.”

“If you or anyone you know is a victim of stalking and harassment then please contact Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency. People can also report online, or via a third party like Action Against Stalking.”

Man convicted of assault in Edinburgh in December 2023

A man has been convicted of an assault in Meadowbank in December 2023 which left a man permanently disfigured.

At Edinburgh High Court today (Friday, 24 April, 2026) Alijo Danso, aged 22, pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger to life.

Around 10.20pm on 3 December, 2023, emergency services were called to a report of the assault of a man at a property on Whyte Place, Edinburgh.

Danso was subsequently arrested and charged in connection and is due to be sentenced at Glasgow High Court on Wednesday, 3 June, 2026.

Detective Constable Chris Docherty said: “This was a violent incident that resulted in a man being taken to hospital.

“Danso will now face the consequences of his actions.

“I’d like to thank the public for their support and patience as we dealt with this incident.”

Payroll fraudsters jailed for 22 years

West Lothian-based business stole £8.8 million of VAT in employment agency scam
The stolen money funded lavish lifestyles, with cash splashed on gold bullion, diamonds, fast cars and expensive properties.
One director is already serving a six-year sentence for a separate sophisticated VAT fraud

The bosses of a corrupt payroll company that stole millions of pounds of VAT have been jailed for more than 22 years.

West Lothian-based Linear Services handled payroll for 27 employment agencies but didn’t hand over VAT they owed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during a two-year fraud.

Graeme Cullen, Leslie Thompson, Graham Newall and Martin Lang ran the firm that charged VAT on invoices totalling £8.8 million between 2015 and 2017. The court heard the gang lived extravagant lifestyles with huge amounts of money spent on expensive homes, holidays, diamonds and even gold bullion.

Thompson is already serving a six-year sentence for his role in an elaborate multi-million-pound tax fraud that led to convictions for a network of 20 corrupt company directors.

The 63-year-old, from Bathgate, West Lothian, was jailed in October, while his wife Beverley was handed a two-year suspended sentence for her role in the elaborate scam.

The gang were caught following a lengthy investigation by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, who worked alongside partners from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division.

Lang, 68, pleaded guilty on 30 January. Cullen, 54, Thompson, 63, and Newall, 49, were sentenced on 21 April after an eight-week trial at Glasgow High Court.

HMRC urges all businesses to carry out meaningful due diligence on any supply of services and anyone with any information about any type of tax fraud can report it to HMRC on GOV.UK.

Police Scotland’s national roll out of body worn video concludes to frontline officers

Police Scotland’s national roll out of body worn video to frontline officers concludes today (Tuesday 21 April), with officers on duty with the cameras in Renfrewshire & Inverclyde (K Division) and Argyll and West Dunbartonshire (L Division).

Around 900 officers including road policing officers, dog handlers and custody staff, will be provided with devices over the coming weeks.

The equipment can help to de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, as well as support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.

Since its introduction in March 2025, over 864,000 recordings have been captured by the devices with almost 174,000 hours of footage uploaded of which over 55,000 media files have been exported to our digital evidence sharing system, DESC.

Since taking command in October 2023, Chief Constable Jo Farrell has prioritised the introduction of body worn video.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett said: “The national roll out of body worn video cameras to our frontline officers is a key priority for us and is one of the ways that we can work towards our vision of safer communities and less crime.

“The cameras and technology will improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reduce the time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.

“Body worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.

“There is strong public and partner support for body worn video and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.”

Every frontline uniformed police officer, including Special Constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers – including stop and search, an arrest of a suspect or executing a search warrant.

Police staff in custody suites will also use cameras when interacting with people in custody.

The footage may be used as evidence, but it will not replace existing procedures and requirements when gathering all available information. It will remain a matter for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to review and determine competence on a case-by-case basis.

Video footage will be uploaded to secure police systems and the evidence will be shared with the COPFS using the new Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) system.

The introduction of body worn video is not intended to encourage the greater use of single police officer deployments or alter current deployment model.

Two men arrested following £98,000 drug recovery in Edinburgh

More than £98,000 worth of illegal drugs have been recovered in Edinburgh.

On Thursday, 16 April, 2026, officers acting on intelligence attempted to stop a vehicle in Murrayburn Drive. The car was found crashed in the Calder Gardens area a short time later and two men were arrested. No serious injuries were reported.

Drugs including cocaine, pink cocaine and heroin worth £98,180 were recovered, as well as a bladed weapon and a four-figure sum of cash. The vehicle was also found to be stolen.

The men, both aged 23, were charged in connection and were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday – Friday, 17 April, 2026.

Sergeant Will Dickson, from Edinburgh West Local Initiative Team, said: “This is a significant recovery which means a large quantity of drugs will remain off our streets.

“Information from the community is absolutely vital and I’d like to thank them for their cooperation and the information they’ve provided.

“This result shows we will use every tool and tactic at our disposal to trace those committing crimes in our communities and make our community a safer place for all.”

Anyone with information or concerns should speak to officers or contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.