Knife crime in Hertfordshire has risen according to data, as ‘zombie knife’ amnesty campaign begins.

The following statistics include knife crime figures for Herts over the last four years. These figures include all crimes where a knife was reported - even if it wasn’t used.

  • 01/01/24 - 16/08/24 - 1,140
  • 01/01/23 - 16/08/23 – 1,034
  •  01/01/22 - 16/08/22 - 1,149
  • 01/01/21 - 16/08/21 – 1,126

Shockingly, there have been 106 more offences involving knives this year (2024) than during the same period in 2023.

Hoping to halt this increase, beginning on Monday (August 26), Hertfordshire Constabulary is conducting an amnesty for the surrender of ‘zombie’ knives and machetes until Monday, September 23.

This forms part of a national scheme preceding a new law that will come into force from Tuesday, September 24, which will make it illegal to own certain styles of ‘zombie’ knives and machetes.

Further statistics from the Ministry of Justice demonstrate that the rate of repeat knife crime offenders in Hertfordshire increased in the past year.

Furthermore, in Hertfordshire 22.7 per cent of knife and offensive weapon offenders were 10 to 17 years old.

During the campaign, knives can be surrendered at Stevenage police station. The locations and opening times of these stations can be found here: www.herts.police.uk/stations.

Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation, under the government scheme.

Detailed guidance on the kinds of weapons that will become illegal and eligible for surrender and compensation can be found at Compensation scheme for 'zombie' knives and machetes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)