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The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has warned that knife crime must not become normalised, despite the region continuing to record relatively low levels of offending.
New figures from Devon & Cornwall Police show that in the 12 months to October 2025 there were 2,979 recorded knife-related incidents, a 1.8% decrease on the previous year. More detailed force data also points to reductions: knife-harm offences fell by 8.8% to 697, while knife-possession crimes dropped by 12.2% to 631 over the same period.
PCC Alison Hernandez attributed the downward trend to strong multi-agency working across policing, local authorities, education and community partners, while noting that recorded numbers can be influenced by the level of police activity, including stop and search.
In response to ongoing national concerns, Devon & Cornwall Police has launched a new educational website, #NotTheOne, aimed at 11- to 16-year-olds and the adults who influence them. The resource shares the experiences of knife-crime victims and bereaved families in an effort to change attitudes and steer young people away from carrying weapons.
The launch event at Bodmin College featured a talk from Becky Dustan, whose brother, 32-year-old Michael Riddiough-Allen, was fatally stabbed outside a nightclub in 2023 after stepping in to protect others. His family has since established Mike’s Trust to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime.
Police efforts also include a dedicated knife-crime working group and twice-yearly Operation Sceptre activity, which targets weapon sales, disrupts supply routes and increases youth engagement. The Commissioner’s office has funded additional walk-through metal-detector arches for neighbourhood teams as part of this work.
A recent Demos report, based on responses from more than 700 young people, found knife crime to be their most frequently raised concern, with many saying they feel unsafe and want stronger action from political leaders. The Commissioner said tackling knife crime remains a priority and reminded the public that carrying a knife can lead to up to four years in prison, an unlimited fine and the risk of taking a life.
Residents can surrender knives at permanent bins in local police stations, report concerns directly to the police or share information anonymously with CrimeStoppers.
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