Most police forces report steep increases in knife crime since 2012

Change in police recorded offences involving knives or sharp instruments

Metropolitan police

West Midlands

150%

790

100

50

3820

0

-50%

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

There were 209 more recorded knife offences in Lancashire between October and December 2017 than in the previous quarter

498

West Yorkshire

Lancashire

648

150%

100

50

0

-50%

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Greater Manchester

Thames Valley

150%

100

308

50

331

0

-50%

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

South Yorkshire

Merseyside

150%

261

100

225

50

0

-50%

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

There were 209 more recorded knife offences in Lancashire between October and December 2017 than in the previous quarter

498

Metropolitan police

West Midlands

West Yorkshire

Lancashire

648

150%

790

100

50

3820

0

-50%

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Greater Manchester

Thames Valley

South Yorkshire

Merseyside

150%

261

100

308

225

50

331

0

-50%

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Q1 2012-13

Q3 2017-18

Guardian graphic. Source: Home Office police recorded crime. Note: Figures can reflect changes in recording practices.