Crime and Policing Act 2026: knife crime and crossbows factsheet

Useful links

The Responsible Retailer AgreementExternal link has been produced for businesses who sell knives in London. It has been designed in partnership with the police, Trading Standards, MOPAC and businesses.

Find out more about measures to prevent knife crime at the following links:

• The Ben Kinsella TrustExternal link
• I'm Out – 3 short films about knife crime
• Zombie-style knives bannedExternal link
• Idris Elba – Knives Down feat. DB MazExternal link
• Haringey Youth Service
• Haringey Youth Justice Service
• Hard calls save lives - Helping prevent knife crimeExternal link

Support the cause and change your Teams background to our dedicated Knife Crime Awareness Week Teams background template.

Webinars: The impact of knife crime from a psychological perspective

During Knife Crime Awareness Week (18 to 24 May), the Vanguard Service will be facilitating two webinars for staff working with or supporting young people, including education, youth services, safeguarding, community safety, health and voluntary sector roles. The workshops will be evidence-based practice and coproduced content with young people on the following topics:

• what trauma is and how it affects young people
• trauma in the context of knife crime
• recognising key signs and symptoms
• practical ways to support and respond

The workshop will be delivered on the following dates: 

• Tuesday 19 May, 12.30 to 1.30pm 
• Friday 22 May, 10 to 11am 

Workshops can be accessed on these dates via TeamsExternal link.

Webinar: The Ben Kinsella Trust - knife crime awareness essentials

We have partnered with the Ben Kinsella Foundation and they will be providing a one-hour workshop introducing teachers, school staff and education professionals to the key issues surrounding knife crime. This session is designed for those who wants to better understand the drivers behind knife crime and explore how individuals and communities can play a role in reducing harm.

• Wednesday 20 May, 3.45 to 4.45pm

Register online to reserve a placeExternal link.

Webinar: The Ben Kinsella Trust - Youth Worker and Practitioner Session - Helping Young People Stay Safe Training

As part of Knife Crime Awareness Week, this Helping Young People Stay Safe half-day training session is designed to raise awareness and build the confidence of youth workers and practitioners in identifying and responding to the risks faced by young people, particularly around exploitation, gangs, and knife crime.

Using a trauma-informed approach, participants will explore the social, emotional, and cultural factors that shape young people’s experiences, alongside practical strategies to support, safeguard, and empower them to make safer choices.

3 hours (half-day) – this programme covers the following topics:

• knife crime from the perspective of young people
• the signs and stages of child exploitation
• gangs and gang life
• trauma and its link to exploitation
• online harms, including social media influences, slang, and gang-related music
• how peer “issues” can escalate and how young people can manage conflict
• helping young people stay safe using the SAFE ‘T’s approach
• further support and resources available

Places can be booked onlineExternal link.

Social media

Search the following hashtags across social media to find out more: 

• #KillingDreams
• #HaringeyUnited
• #KCAW2026
• #StopKnifeCrime