The latest statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal a remarkable decrease in homicides across England and Wales, reaching the lowest level in nearly five decades. A total of 499 murder and manslaughter cases were recorded in the year leading up to September, marking a significant reduction from previous years and the lowest since 1977.

Reductions in Violent Crimes

This decline is attributed mainly to fewer knife-related fatalities, which fell by 23% to 174. Such figures indicate a positive trend in reducing violent crime, with knife offences decreasing by 9% to 50,430 incidents, and firearms-related crimes also dropping by 9% to just under 5,000 cases, the lowest since 2003.

Broader Crime Trends

While some violent crimes have decreased, the overall number of violent incidents remained steady, with around 1.1 million incidents reported, encompassing various forms of violence from assault to murder. Robbery rates held consistently, recording 82,678 cases, while shoplifting saw a 5% rise, reaching 519,381 offences compared to the previous year.

Regional Insights

Greater Manchester, the Metropolitan area, and West Midlands have seen a decline in knife-related crimes, as highlighted by ONS spokesperson Billy Gazard. NHS data supports these findings, noting a reduction in hospital admissions due to sharp object assaults.

International Comparisons

In an international context, the homicide rate in England and Wales is comparatively low, with 97 homicides in 2025 at a rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people—lower than New York, Berlin, and Milan. Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley emphasized the importance of this decline, highlighting fewer families being affected by violence.

A Nationwide Trend

Scotland has also reported a decrease, with only 45 homicides in 2024-25, the lowest in almost 50 years. These statistics reflect a broader national trend in reducing violent crime, a positive shift for the safety and well-being of the public.

As these figures suggest, the efforts to combat violence in the UK are yielding substantial results, with both policy and community initiatives playing vital roles in this achievement.

Source:bbc uk