Shocking figures have shown a steep rise in the numbers of people carrying knives, with police reporting an increase of almost 50pc in weapon possession cases.
Police recorded a total of 832 offences in 2022, compared with 565 the year before, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It comes amid growing fears over the numbers of young people carrying knives, and several high profile stabbings in the county.
Norfolk police and crime commissioner Giles Orpen-Smellie described the rise as a "great concern" and said he planned to raise the issue with the chief constable, Paul Sanford.
The figures have emerged days after police launched an initiative, Operation Sceptre, to highlight the risks of carrying a blade as well as targeting criminals carrying knives.
READ MORE: Police found man's wardrobe full of knives and swords
While the numbers of people being found carrying weapons has risen, the actual level of total knife crime has dropped.
Experts say this could indicate that more young people are carrying knives for protection, even if they do not necessarily intend to use them.
But they warn that the rise in knife carrying hugely increases the risk of incidents on the street turning deadly.
The dangers of knives have been highlighted by several recent incidents in Norfolk.
Teenager Thomas James was jailed for six years after stabbing three people on Prince of Wales Road in Norwich.
Last October another attacker Simon Ward was jailed for more than six years after stabbing another man in the face during an argument near a pub.
A police spokesman said the success of a previous Operation Sceptre campaign in May 2022 might explain the rise in weapons possession offences.
Nine people were arrested and dozens of deadly blades were taken off the streets during the crackdown.
The latest week-long action saw officers carry out targeted patrols targeting areas where criminals are known to carry knives.
A bid to get more blades off the streets saw people urged to dump knives ranging from kitchen knives to machetes in three surrender bins at Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and King’s Lynn police stations.
Police said any crimes involving possession of knives or violence involving weapons were treated “extremely seriously”.
Inspector Ian Cox, who is coordinating the initiative, said: “While we’ve seen a reduction in knife crime any number of incidents causes concern in the community and it’s right we do everything we can to prevent people from carrying knives in the first place.
“By carrying a knife, you put yourself in much greater danger and are more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.”
More deadly blades could be banned
The latest Operation Sceptre action coincides with a Home Office consultation on new knife legislation proposals that would see more machetes and so-called ‘zombie knives’ banned.
Police would also be given more powers to seize and destroy the weapons while criminals would face tougher sentences for their sale and possession.
Patrick Green, chief executive of anti-knife crime charity the Ben Kinsella Trust – which was set up in 2008 following the fatal stabbing of the 16-year-old in north London - said: “These weapons have no legitimate purpose and only serve to glamorise violence and intimidate others.
“They are often used by gangs and criminals to inflict serious harm and create fear on our streets. By taking them off the streets, we will reduce the risk of serious violence and save lives.”
What the figures tell us about crime in Norfolk
The ONS data shows the total number of crimes in Norfolk, excluding fraud, increased by 1.8pc last year to 68,037 offences, less than the 4.3pc rise recorded in previous figures.
Mr Orpen-Smellie said: “It is positive to see a fall in the percentage increase for all crimes across Norfolk.
“However, any rise in crime in the county should not be taken lightly and I will continue to liaise with the chief constable and his senior officers and staff to ensure they provide an effective and efficient policing service for Norfolk.”
Stalking and harassment fell 15pc, drugs and public order offences were both down 11pc while there was a further reduction in residential burglaries, with Norfolk the third lowest in the UK for home break-ins.
However the cost of living crisis and drug issues have been blamed for a 33pc surge in shoplifting in Norfolk since the pandemic.
Violent crimes resulting in victims suffering injuries also rose 11pc, while robberies were up 15pc.
READ MORE: ‘Shocking’ rise in violent crimes felt in every Norfolk village
Recorded sexual offences were also up 14pc to 3,389 on top of a 25pc increase in 2021.
“It is encouraging to see stalking and harassment, drug and public order offences have shown decreases of more than 10pc each but I am keen to know the true picture behind such falls,” said Mr Orpen-Smellie.
“Once again, the occurrence of sexual offences and violence with and without injury continues to climb.
“A lot of these offences are associated with domestic abuse and are very much ‘hidden’ crimes, committed behind closed doors.
”It is of note that 24pc of all reported crime in Norfolk is related to domestic abuse, which by its nature largely happens behind closed doors.”
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