News / Crime
Knife crime rises
The number of knife crimes in Bristol shot up by over a quarter last year according to the latest police data.
1,953 crimes involving knives were recorded between April 2023 and March 2024, compared to 1,553 the previous year, an increase of 26 per cent.
Serious violence offences involving knives saw an even larger jump of 38 per cent, with 585 crimes recorded last year, compared to 423 the year before.
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However, “increased intensive police operations” have also resulted in more offences being logged.
Details were revealed in the annual report of the Bristol Community Safety Partnership (BCSP), which coordinates work of the council, Avon and Somerset Police and other public sector organisations.
The public health policy committee will consider the report on Friday.
In the report, Mark Runacres, neighbourhood policing superintendent, said: “During the past 12 months the city has witnessed the tragic loss of young lives through knife crime, bringing understandable concern and focus on how agencies and communities are working together.
“The impacts of the awful incidents in Ilminster Avenue and Rawnsley Park were felt across the city and beyond.
“It takes time to grieve and find a way forward for families, individuals, communities and the city. For those working in the BCSP it’s a time for reflection, learning and improving.
“With the bereaved families at the heart of the response to these incidents, communities have come together and shown compassion and strength to support each other.”
Compared to other major English cities, there were relatively fewer violent crimes in Bristol than elsewhere.
The rate of violent crimes that caused injury per 1,000 population in Bristol was 10.7, less than Newcastle with 15.3; Birmingham and Nottingham both with 13.7; Manchester with 13; Liverpool with 12.3; and Leeds with 11.1. But the rate in Bristol was higher than London’s 8.9.
Main photo: Avon and Somerset Police
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