SHOCK figures have revealed the true scale of knife crime in Wiltshire.

The official Home Office statistics show that the number of crimes involving knives has more than tripled in just five years.

In the year to September 2017, Wiltshire Police recorded 295 crimes in which knives were used - up 214 per cent on the same 12-month period five years earlier. The first six months of 2017/18 was one of the more violent on record - with Wiltshire Police noting 155 knife crimes. 

Between April and October last year: 

  • Knives were used in 109 assaults
  • 33 people were robbed at knifepoint
  • Police recorded 12 threats to kill where knives added to the menace
  • A knifepoint rape was logged by officers

Police have seen a steady rise in the number of knife offences on Wiltshire Police. Robberies involving knives were up by 150 per cent between 2012/13 and 2016/17. Assaults more than doubled between 2013/14 and 2016/17 - with 167 assaults with injury and assault with intent to cause serious harm last year. 

The new figures follow two stabbings in Swindon over the Easter weekend. A 17-year-old was attacked in Eldene Primary School by a knife gang and another man in his 30s was slashed across the back near Swindon College on Easter Monday in what police said was an unrelated attack.

Earlier this week, police raided the house of a 17-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of burglary, going prepared and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. They discovered a drug kit, cash and a number of knives.

Following the Easter weekend stabbings, residents raised fears that knife crime was increasing. 

Deborah Clark said: “Knife crime in Swindon is getting worse. Scum low life need to be put away for a long time.” 

Elaine Taylor added: “This is scary. Why are all these stabbings happening?”

Kevin Parry, borough councillor and chairman of Nythe, Eldene and Liden Parish Council, told the Adver last night: “I think the situation at Eldene was quite shocking and took people by surprise.” However, he said that the police were being more proactive in east Swindon – and were working closely with new neighbourhood watch groups.

Responding to fears of rising violent crime, Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said this month: “In the past year, violence in Swindon involving knives has actually decreased. I have asked for more preventative measures and I know that the force does a lot of work on knife crime, including visiting schools to educate children on the consequences of carrying a knife.

“It is very important that anyone tempted to carry a knife realises that they are putting themselves and others at a much greater risk of injury or death. The chances of a custodial sentence if convicted of using a knife are also very high, and rightly so.”

Supt Phil Stayninigs, head of crime prevention at Wiltshire Police, said: "Any crime involving a weapon is very concerning, and knife crime particularly, which has been highlighted with the recent tragic incidents in London which have been widely reported in the media.

"In looking at these particular figures it is important to note that they include any crime involving the use of a knife or sharp instrument including broken bottles or glass.

"It is important to recognise that this comparison is over a seven year reporting period, during which our compliance for recording crime and incidents in accordance with the Home Office Counting Rules has improved greatly. We believe that this improved compliance will be reflected in an increase in recorded crime, alongside improved public confidence to report crimes involving weapons.

"Sadly, overall crime has increased which is something that nationally all police forces have experienced. However we are not complacent and Wiltshire is putting a positive focus on education, prevention and early intervention particularly with young people.

"With regards to knife crime, there is evidence to suggest that some young people are choosing to carry a knife believing it will give them protection. The reality is that carrying a knife significantly increases the risk that it will be used, and often on the carrier themselves. Any increase in the carrying of knives is therefore likely to result in an increase in knife related crimes.

"Wiltshire Police has ongoing work aiming to understand who carries a knife or other weapon and why, and our crime prevention team, local officers and staff are working with a range of partner agencies and schools to develop and deliver presentations looking at the risks and consequences of carrying or using knives or other weapons and the potential impact of doing so.

"Whilst deaths from knife related crimes are not common in Wiltshire, if you carry or use a knife you personally are much more likely to be injured yourself or risk prosecution, with penalties such as four years imprisonment even if a knife isn’t used.

"A great deal of work is ongoing behind the scenes by Wiltshire Police however we need the support of communities to eradicate knife crime and ensure Wiltshire remains to be a safe place to live. We appeal to anyone who has information about those carrying knives or other weapons or the use or dealing of drugs to let us know, even the smallest amount of information could help us.

"If you have information on drugs or weapons please call 101 if a crime is in progress, call 999."