Exclusive: annual zombie knife crime in Norfolk surpasses 2023 and 2021 totals
The figures also show that a third of crimes with a zombie knife involve somebody under the age of eighteen
Last updated 23rd Sep 2024
Greatest Hits Radio can exclusively reveal that the number of crimes involving a zombie knife in Norfolk so far this year has already surpassed both 2023 and 2021's totals.
Norfolk Police says there have been 18 crimes involving these blades, between January and the start of this month (September).
This figure is just ten away from what was recorded across the whole of 2022.
These figures also show that a third of crimes (6) with a zombie knife, involve somebody under the age of eighteen.
"It needs to focus on how this crime can affect people"
Emma is mum of Joe Dix, who was stabbed to death in Norwich over two years ago, and is part of the Government's coalition against Knife Crime: "We need a set pathway for people that are caught with knives.
"This shouldn't be custodial by any means but it needs to focus on how this crime can affect people, such as speaking to paramedics and doctors who've had to deal with this, and speaking to families affected by this."
She told us why so many young people are getting caught up in this: "There's a proportion of young people who feel like it's something that everyone does and they probably have no intention of using it, at all.
"But as in Joe's situation, child criminal exploitation involves gangs and they compete against each-other to sell drugs."
Emma also told us that there need to be tighter restrictions on access to knives: "Delivery drivers often just pop your package on your doorstep and nothing gets signed for.
"There are a lot of legitimate places that are selling these knives, for things like fishing, they have strict rules about showing ID first, that's something which should be expanded."
The numbers in full:
Total number of crimes (involving a zombie knife):
2021- 9
2022- 28
2023- 17
2024- 18
Total number of crimes which include a victim or suspect under 18 years:
2021- 2
2022- 8
2023- 7
2024- 6
(source: Norfolk Police)
What is the Government doing to tackle this?
From tomorrow, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes as they will be added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.
Until the end of today, these blades can be surrendered without prosecution at police station across Norfolk.
The scheme has been running across the country since 26 August.
"Must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end"
Policing Minister, Diana Johnson said: "Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets.
"That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons. Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal.
"It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing – to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life and save so many futures.
"We cannot do this alone, political, policing and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people."
"The Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime"
On September the 9th, the Government launched 'the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime', made up of campaigners, families and young people directly affected by knife-crime and community leaders.
Number 10 says the coalition will also include technology companies and sport organisations, as well as partners in the health service, education and the police.
The Government says it will work with experts to develop an extensive understanding of what causes young people to be dragged into violence, providing vital evidence that will drive government policy and holding the government to account on its knife crime commitment.
"A mission for the country to halve knife crime in a decade"
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
"As Director of Public Prosecutions, I saw first-hand the devastating impact that knife crime has on young people and their families. This is a national crisis that we will tackle head on.
We will take this moment to come together as a country – politicians, families of victims, young people themselves, community leaders and tech companies - to halve knife crime and take back our streets".
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
"We will not sit back while precious lives are being lost and young people’s futures destroyed. That is why we are making it a mission for the country to halve knife crime in a decade.
"Getting weapons off our streets and making sure there are tough and clear consequences for violence are vital. And we also need to prevent young people heading down this path - that means offering young people more hope, more opportunities.
This coalition is crucial - bringing together those who have fought so passionately for change and who know how devastating knife crime can be and why we need action now."
The Government says it's aiming to halve all knife crime by 2030.