Preventing Knife Crime in Approach

Working Together to Prevent Knife Crime

Knife crime has a devastating impact on victims, families and communities. While it represents a relatively small proportion of overall crime in South Yorkshire, every incident can leave lasting consequences.

That’s why the Violence Prevention Partnership (VPP) has developed the Preventing Knife Crime Approach 2026-2029. The approach sets out a shared commitment to prevent knife-related violence, protect young people and create safer communities through prevention, early intervention and targeted enforcement.

Led through the South Yorkshire VPP, the approach brings together policing, local authorities, education, health services, youth justice organisations, community groups and people with lived experience to tackle the causes of knife crime and reduce harm.

Our Mission

Address the underlying causes of violence by working together with communities and partnerships to prevent it, helping to create the conditions and opportunities that will enable South Yorkshire’s children and young people to thrive.

The Three Priorities

1

Prioritise children and young people most vulnerable to knife crime

Supporting children and young people through schools, colleges, families and community organisations to build resilience, develop positive relationships and access help before problems escalate.

2

Design interventions to meet the needs of children and young people

Children and young people are not a homogeneous group, and an intersectional approach is essential to ensure interventions are effective. Programmes and support will be tailored to reflect their diverse needs, identities and experiences.

3

Prioritise locations with the highest prevalence of known knife crime

Focusing resources on areas experiencing the highest levels of knife crime, using place-based approaches that empower communities and ensure responses are shaped by local needs and experiences.

Preventing Knife Crime Approach 2026-2029

Our full approach sets out how the VPP will work together with partners over the next three years to reduce knife crime and support safer communities.

Read the Preventing Knife Crime Approach here

Watch: Tackling Knife Crime in South Yorkshire

Hear from partners, community organisations and families affected by knife crime about the work taking place across South Yorkshire to prevent knife crime, support vulnerable young people and keep communities safe.

How We Are Taking Action

Partners across South Yorkshire are already delivering a range of activity to prevent violence and support young people, including:

• Early intervention and prevention programmes
• Education and awareness initiatives in schools and colleges
• Support for vulnerable children and young people
• Community engagement and outreach programmes
• Evidence-led violence prevention projects
• Targeted enforcement activity in partnership with South Yorkshire Police
• Campaigns to raise awareness of knife crime and exploitation
• The Safer Knife Replacement Scheme to help reduce the risk of harm

Get Help or Report Concerns

If there is imminent danger or a life threatening situation please dial 999.