Knife Crime at Record Highs: Can Slash-Resistant Clothing Offer a Layer of Protection?

Knife crime in England and Wales has reached an alarming milestone. In 2019, police recorded 45,627 knife-related offences which is a breath taking record-breaking number and a 7% increase from the previous year. That’s an average of 125 incidents every single day. When you step back and look at the bigger picture, that’s nearly 50% higher than in 2011 when this type of crime data began being consistently tracked.

As headlines focus on political promises, funding boosts and police powers, one question often goes overlooked: what can be done right now to help protect people on the ground? One promising answer lies in something practical, tangible and increasingly available... slash-resistant clothing.

Crime Numbers Paint a Stark Picture

Let’s break it down:

• London alone accounted for one-third of all knife crimes with 15,492 incidents reported.

• The West Midlands, South East and North West also saw significant rises, with increases up to 31% in some areas.

• Knife crimes included 435 attempted murders, 4,151 threats to kill, over 20,000 assaults and nearly 20,000 robberies.

• Even more distressing: 660 sexual assaults and 242 homicides involved a blade.

And these figures don’t even include Greater Manchester due to data limitations which means the true scale is likely higher.

Why the Rise? And Why Now?

Experts have pointed to a mix of reasons: drug-related gang activity, stretched police resources, economic hardship and even social disconnection. The charging rate for knife-related offences has also dropped sharply, from over 15% in 2014 to just 7.1% in 2019! Leaving victims with little recourse and offenders more likely to walk free.

While long-term policy changes are being discussed... like stop-and-search powers, community investment and officer recruitment these solutions will take years to show results.

In the meantime, people on the front lines, from police officers and paramedics to security professionals and even concerned civilians need better protection now.

A New Layer of Defence: Slash-Resistant Clothing

That’s where slash-resistant clothing comes into play. Using advanced materials like Kevlar®, Dyneema®, and Spectra®, this gear is designed to resist cuts from knives and sharp objects. It won’t make someone invincible but it can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in a slashing attack.

For example:

• A security guard facing a blade in a robbery attempt may avoid deep lacerations thanks to protective sleeves or jackets.

• Paramedics responding to calls in high-risk areas can work with more confidence, knowing they have protection under their uniforms.

• Even for everyday civilians, protective garments can add peace of mind during commutes or nights out in areas with rising crime.

Beyond Equipment: Empowerment

At its core, slash-resistant clothing is about more than safety, it’s about empowerment. It gives people a fighting chance in situations where they previously had none. While we push for better policing, community outreach, and criminal justice reforms, giving individuals the tools to protect themselves is something we can do today.

Whether you’re in law enforcement, private security, or simply looking for an added layer of protection in uncertain times, this isn’t just gear... it’s a shift in mindset. It’s preparation in a world that demands it.

Final Thoughts

The knife crime crisis won’t be solved overnight., but while governments debate and institutions adapt, protective clothing offers a practical, immediate way to help reduce harm. It’s not about living in fear, it’s about responding with resilience.

In a society where knife crime is rising, slash-resistant clothing isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.