New figures reveal that Manchester has one of the highest rates of knife possession crime in the UK. In the last three years, approximately one in every 275 residents was caught carrying a knife, resulting in a rate of 36 crimes per 10,000 people, placing the city sixth nationally.

Birmingham reported the highest rate during this period, with 52 crimes per 10,000 population.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) believe the city's statistics are elevated due to their proactive efforts to seize knives.

The alarming statistics emerge in the same week that three men from Manchester were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Sadiq Al-Lami, who was fatally stabbed 11 times in a road rage incident.

Sultan Bakr, 23, his brother Sikander Babar, 25, and Abdul Babar, 19, were sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court for the January 2024 assault on Kingsway in East Didsbury.

Over the last three years, GMP recorded 2,070 crimes involving possession of a blade, second only to Birmingham's 6,016 offences in the same timeframe.

The Home Office reported that in the year leading to June 2024, Greater Manchester recorded 2,343 knife possession offences, a sixfold increase from a decade ago, when only 375 offences were reported.

However, comparisons with past GMP data may not be reliable, as the force faced criticism in 2020 for its crime recording practices.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway from GMP stated that any incident involving a knife is unacceptable. “We focus on prevention and education to reduce knife crime, as enforcement alone won’t resolve the issue,” she said.

GMP established Operation Venture in December 2022 to combat serious violence, particularly knife crime. Since then, over 760 arrests have been made, and more than 200 weapons have been seized.

The Operation Venture team collaborates with health and education sectors to address the root causes of knife crime. Their efforts have successfully reduced homicides and knife-related hospital admissions, particularly among individuals under 25.

Homicides and serious violence trends among youth are being prioritized, and the community's involvement is crucial. Residents are encouraged to report anyone suspected of carrying a knife to help ensure safety.

The Home Office data shows that Blackpool, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, and Nottingham follow Birmingham in having high rates of knife possession crime. Salford, where 32 crimes per 10,000 people were recorded, ranks ninth.

Recent events, including a tragic case where teen killer Axel Rudakubana pleaded guilty to murdering three children at a dance event, highlight the issues around knife access. It was revealed that Rudakubana purchased his knife online.

Employment Minister Alison McGovern emphasized the need for measures like two-factor identification to prevent underage knife purchases.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized how a 17-year-old with a violent history could order a deadly weapon online, promising new legislation to tighten regulations surrounding knife sales.

Sir Keir Starmer stated that it remains “shockingly easy” for children to acquire knives, indicating that urgent reforms are necessary.

Commander Stephen Clayman is expediting a review of online knife sales, and the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will strengthen sanctions for non-compliance among retailers.

An Amazon spokesperson stated that the company takes the sale of age-restricted items very seriously and has initiated an investigation into the case. They also affirmed their use of identity verification methods for orders of bladed products.

To report knife crime, call 101 or 999 in emergencies, or visit the GMP website. For anonymous reporting, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or through the Fearless.org website.