00:00The West Midlands Police Area has recorded the highest rate of knife crime offences in England and Wales,
00:06according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
00:10From April 2023 to March 2024, there were over 5,000 offences with a rate of 178 per 100,000 citizens,
00:20surpassing the London Metropolitan Police's rate.
00:23A new knife crime policy introduced in November has led to more arrests
00:27and many issues identified during a period of special measures have been addressed.
00:32Despite these efforts, the rate of knife crime has slightly increased
00:36from the previous year's rate of 176 per 100,000.
00:41Local campaigners highlight factors such as mental health issues, family breakdowns,
00:46poverty and the glamourisation of knife crime.
00:49West Midlands Police is reviewing its recording practices and continues to prioritise
00:54serious youth violence with increased patrols and community awareness campaigns.
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