New figures show 33% of knife and offensive weapon offences in Suffolk were committed by repeat offenders in the year to March – the highest rate in a decade.
Why it matters: While the overall number of knife and offensive weapon offences in Suffolk fell, the rising rate of reoffending highlights potential gaps in rehabilitation efforts and raises questions about the effectiveness of current interventions to prevent knife crime.
By the numbers:
136 knife and offensive weapon offenders were dealt with by the Criminal Justice System in Suffolk
45 had previous convictions or cautions – 33% of offenders
The reoffending rate increased from 26.5% the previous year
15.4% of offenders in Suffolk were aged 10 to 17
The big picture: This trend isn't unique to Suffolk. Across England and Wales, 31.5% of knife and offensive weapon offenders had previous convictions or cautions – the highest rate since 2014.
What they're saying: Patrick Green, chief executive of the Ben Kinsella Trust, called the increasing number of repeat offenders "alarming" and stressed the need for "crucial" investment in rehabilitation.
"To effectively address knife crime, we must prioritise preventing young people from becoming involved in such violence," Green said.
A "concerning anomaly": Mr Green also said the fall in offences dealt with by the justice system shows a "concerning anomaly".
He said: "Office of National Statistics figure released last month show that knife crime offences have grown 4% in the last year, yet [last] Thursday’s figures from the Ministry of Justice show a fall in number offenders being dealt with by the criminal justice system."
"This does raise questions about whether the full force of the law is being correctly applied in knife crime cases."
What's next: The government says it's committed to halving knife crime within a decade. Planned measures include:
Tightening restrictions on the sale of dangerous weapons
Banning ninja swords
Ensuring carrying knives triggers "rapid intervention and tough consequences"
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