The Latest Trends in Gang Culture and the Rise in Knives, Exploitation and Violence

In the year ending March 2022, there were 45,000 recorded offences involving a knife or sharp objects in England and Wales, according to the House of Commons Library.

Professor Simon Harding is a Professor of Criminology and the Director of the National Centre for Gang Research at the University of West London. He has 39 years experience of practitioner and professional experience in crime reduction and community safety. Now Director of the National Centre for Gang Research at UWL, he advises the Home Office, MPS, NCA, HMICFRS, alongside multiple charities and local authorities, on youth violence, street gangs, knife crime, drug markets and county lines.

In this video, Professor Harding discusses the current trends and statistics in factors contributing to young people turning towards gangs and knife violence. He highlights the impacts of Covid-19 on services, leaving individuals feeling alone and more vulnerable to exploitation.

In the year ending March 2022, there were 45,000 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales. In this video, the Director of the National Centre for Gang Research discusses the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the behaviour of young people and the gaps in support which leave them vulnerable to exploitation.