Rising Concerns: Knife Crime and the Need for Non-Lethal Defence

November 2, 2025 • By Safety Campaign Team

Latest ONS figures show over 51,000 knife-related offences across England and Wales in the year ending June 2025. Violent crime remains a significant threat to communities.

The Office for National Statistics reports 51,527 police-recorded offences involving knives or sharp instruments, with knives used in 46% of homicides in recent years. While criminals wield dangerous weapons, law-abiding citizens lack access to non-lethal self-defence tools like pepper spray due to restrictive laws.

In countries where pepper spray is legal, such as Germany, France, and most US states, it offers a non-lethal defence option, empowering individuals—particularly women—in isolated or nighttime situations.

Pepper spray provides a proportionate response to threats, designed for defence without causing permanent harm.

We urge MPs to review evidence from other jurisdictions and support legislation legalizing pepper spray to enhance constituent safety.