Interactive map shows where in country most people carry knives and guns
Our interactive map shows where police are most likely to find people in possession of a knife, firearm, or other offensive weapons - see how your area compares
The town and city centres where people are most likely to be carrying weapons have been revealed by a disturbing new map - as the government introduces tough measures to tackle knife crime.
Last year, police recorded almost 58,000 weapons offences in England and Wales, including possession of a knife, firearm, or other offensive weapons. That was around 850 fewer crimes than in 2023, and marks the first time the overall number of weapons offences has fallen since the pandemic. However, there were a record 28,000 crimes of possessing a knife or any article with a blade or point, and a record 22,000 crimes of possessing any weapon other than a knife or gun.
The fall in overall weapons offences was driven by an 8% fall in the number of offences involving a firearm. You can see how it compares near you using our interactive map below:
Where are people most likely to carry weapons?
Local crime figures show weapons are most likely to be seized in town and city centres. Last year, more crimes were recorded in Birmingham's Central neighbourhood than in any other town or city centre, a total of 151.
Walsall Central had the next highest number of weapons crimes at 131, and then Leeds City Centre, with 129. But our map also reveals the number and rate of weapons crimes in residential neighbourhoods.
For example, there were 39 crimes recorded in Somers Town, a residential neighbourhood of Portsmouth. Considering the size of the population, that's a rate of 37 crimes for every 10,000 people, or one weapons offence for every 272 residents.
There were also 34 weapon crimes in Chalvey, a former village which is now a suburb of Slough, a rate of 24 crimes per 10,000 residents, or one per 406 people. Figures are available for every one of more than 7,000 neighbourhoods in England and Wales apart from areas covered by Greater Manchester Police, as the force has not supplied crime data for last year.
Crime figures are available for neighbourhoods with between 7,000 and 10,000 residents, which the government designates as Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs). The statistics do not include crimes reported at train stations, as British Transport Police record them.
Government announces tough new measure to combat knife crime
Meanwhile, the government continues to crack down on knife crime. Last month, the Home Office published plans to fine tech companies and their executives up to £70,000 for failing to remove content related to knife crime from their platforms. The penalty includes up to £10,000 for executives and £60,000 for the company.
It follows last year's ban on zombie-style knives and machetes, the street name given to weapons which are over eight inches in length and often have a serrated edge. A nationwide surrender scheme will launch in July.
Other measures launched by the government to tackle knife crime include a two-step verification for online retailers selling knives, increasing prison sentences for selling weapons to under 18s from six months to two years, and introducing a new offence for possessing a weapon with intent for violence with a prison sentence of up to four years.
The government is also set to launch a consultation on introducing a licensing scheme for retailers who want to sell knives.
Launching the latest measures to tackle knife crime, Crime and Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: 'The kind of content that young people scroll through every day online is sickening and I will not accept any notion that restricting access to this harmful material is too difficult.
'Our children need more from us. That is why we are now going further than ever to hold to account the tech companies who are not doing enough to safeguard young people from content which incites violence, particularly in young boys.'
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