Risk and vulnerability in knife‐related crime: Insights from official data

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines psychological and personal differences among young males engaged in violent knife offending, violent non-knife offending, and non-violent offending within a Youth Justice Service in London. By distinguishing knife-related crime from other forms of violence, the research aims to identify unique psychosocial vulnerabilities associated with violent knife offending and to consider implications for assessment and intervention.

Methods

Case files of young males aged 12–18 under Youth Justice Service supervision between 2018 and 2022 were analysed using data recorded in the AssetPlus assessment tool. Comparative analyses explored group differences in victimisation, gang association, trauma-related mental health difficulties, and neurodiversity needs. Moderated mediation models were employed to examine the relationship between gang involvement, victimisation, and knife-related offending.

Results

Young people involved in knife-related offending exhibited higher levels of gang association, victimisation, and trauma compared to both violent non-knife and non-violent groups. Victimisation significantly moderated the relationship between gang involvement and knife-related offending, amplifying the likelihood of violent behaviour among those with dual exposure. Mental health difficulties, although prevalent, did not mediate this relationship. AssetPlus facilitated comprehensive information-gathering but showed inconsistencies in analytical application, with variability in data entry quality highlighting the need for standardised quality assurance.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that violent knife offending represents a distinct subgroup characterised by elevated psychosocial vulnerabilities. Trauma-informed and contextually aware interventions are essential, with supplementary assessments focusing on gang involvement and victimisation recommended to enhance understanding of individual risk profiles and support more tailored responses to knife-related offending.