69% of knife crimes are carried out by first-time offenders, figures show

Knife crime statistics show that more than two-thirds of cautions or convictions are for first-time offenders, as charities call for more preventative measures.

In Sussex, the figures show that of the 327 criminals found guilty in the year to September 2023, 227 were people who had not been convicted before.

Ben Kinsella Trust, an anti-knife crime charity has said the high proportion of first-time offenders is a “red flag” and highlights how more investment is needed into preventative measures is needed.

“It exposes a cycle where people are often drawn into violence and face potentially life-altering consequences,” said Patrick Green, chief executive of the trust.

“This is not just a criminal justice issue, but a societal one demanding a multifaceted response.

“Young people are particularly vulnerable to the allure of knife crime due to complex factors like poverty, lack of opportunity, social media and exposure to violence.

“Simply arresting our way out of this crisis is not enough. We need to invest in preventative measures that address these root causes.”

According to the statistics, the new offenders accounted for 69 per cent of the overall 327 knife offences, down from 75 per cent the year before.

However, despite the concerning figures, across England and Wales, the proportion of new offenders fell from 70 per cent in 2022 to 69 per cent last year.

A Home Office spokesman said the number of hospital admissions for young people with serious knife injuries has fallen in recent years but more needs to be done to “address the root causes of this violence”.

He said: “We have banned zombie and cyclone knives and are going further to stop more zombie-style machetes from being used on our streets.

“We are also investing a further £200 million into the youth endowment fund. Our violence reduction units, in combination with hotspot policing patrols, have prevented an estimated 3,220 hospital admissions for violent injuries since 2019.”

CICA claims

If you have been a victim of a crime of violence, such as a knife-attack you may be entitled to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

What is a crime of violence?

The CICA defines a ‘Crime of Violence’ as a crime which, by intention or recklessness, involves any of the following:

• A physical attack
• Any other act (or failure to act) of a violent nature which causes physical injury to a person
• A threat against a person causing fear of immediate violence
• Sexual assault
• Arson

What is the CICA?

Since 1964, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and its predecessor (Criminal Injuries Compensation Board), have paid over £3 billion in compensation.

In 1996, a statutory scheme was introduced under the provisions of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995.

Designed to compensate blameless victims of violent crimes including physical and sexual assaults, the CICA has been revised in 2001, 2008 and 2012, compensating for over 300 different injuries ranging in compensation between £1,000 – £250,000.

Individuals may be eligible for an award if they sustain a criminal injury directly attributable to being a direct victim of a crime of violence committed in a relevant place.

How much compensation will I get?

Compensation is awarded based on the severity of the injuries. Common awards include:

• A fractured jaw bone resulting in ongoing problems. This would be valued at £3,500 and could rise to £6,200 if an operation had taken place.
• Facial scarring causing serious disfigurement. This could be valued up to £11,000.
• Injuries resulting in permanent tinnitus which is very severe can be valued at £16,500.
• Loss of teeth could be valued up to £3,500.
• A permanent and seriously disabling psychological injury, with a potential value of up to £27,000.

Further reading

For more information on CICA claims, click here.

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