Defence · Homeland security · 5 November 2026
Home Office launches knife crime campaign in Westminster and Croydon
The Home Office has announced a new knife crime campaign launching in parts of Westminster and Croydon today. The initiative includes increased police activity and public awareness adverts across London and Birmingham.
The Home Office has confirmed the launch of a new campaign titled ‘No Place for Knives’ in specific areas of Westminster and Croydon. Developed in partnership with police and local authorities, the scheme aims to raise awareness of heightened police presence and safety measures. Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones stated: "Everyone in Westminster and Croydon deserves to feel safe on their streets."
Under the plans, advertisements will appear at tube stations, bus stops, and on social media, alongside a mural at Boxpark Croydon. The campaign highlights specific policing tactics, including smarter metal detection, rapid response e-bikes, extra foot patrols, and live facial recognition. Funding also supports prevention approaches such as youth outreach and visible local safety patrols in busy night-time economy areas.
Figures published with the announcement show an 11% fall in knife crime since the General Election. In London specifically, there has been a 14% fall in knife crime, a 34% fall in knife-related homicides, and a 19% fall in knife-enabled robbery. The department notes that the number of people hospitalised after being attacked with a sharp weapon has fallen by 29 per cent over the last five years.
The campaign is currently piloted in parts of Westminster and Croydon, as well as in Birmingham city centre. Sixteen other boroughs in Greater London received funding through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentrations Fund, which provided £8.1 million. This initiative is part of the Government’s mission to halve knife crime in a decade.
Commander Pete Stevens of the Metropolitan Police added that officers are directing resources towards those who pose the most risk. The announcement does not specify the exact duration of the pilot or the precise dates for the expansion of these measures beyond the initial launch.
Written by StreetOwl from Home Office’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
← Back to StreetOwl