KNIFE CRIME has dropped by a quarter in the last two years across the West Midlands, according to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
The latest performance data, which was presented at the Commissioner’s Accountability and Governance Board, shows recorded knife crime offences have fallen by 25.1 per cent, from 5,268 offences at the start of the Police and Crime Plan period to 3,946 in the year ending March 2026.
Mr Foster said: “These figures represent significant progress in our aim to prevent and tackle knife crime and serious youth violence.
“Every violent offence prevented, every knife removed from our streets and every young person diverted away from crime helps make our communities safer.”
At the same time, West Midlands Police proactive policing activity has increased, with the number of weapons recovered through stop and search rising significantly.
During the year ending March 2026, the force recorded 1,035 stop and searches that resulted in the recovery of a knife, representing a 16.4 per cent increase compared to the baseline year.
The figures also show serious youth violence continues to decline across the West Midlands.
In the year ending March 2026, offences fell by 14.9 per cent, reflecting the impact of ongoing partnership work to prevent young people from becoming involved in violence and exploitation.
Mr Foster said: “A 25.1 per cent reduction in knife crime is a significant achievement and demonstrates the impact of investment, partnership working and proactive policing that we have prioritised through my Police and Crime Plan.
“The increase in weapons recovered through stop and search shows that officers are continuing to take dangerous knives off our streets and prevent potential harm.
“I also welcome the continued reduction in serious youth violence. Protecting young people from violence, exploitation and criminality is one of my top priorities, and these results show that our collective efforts are making a positive difference.
“One knife crime offence is one too many. I will continue to work closely with West Midlands Police, our Violence Reduction Partnership, local authorities, schools, community organisations and partners to drive down violence even further and ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their community.”
