The UK government has announced an expanded knife crime crackdown across England and Wales, with more than 230 areas set to receive additional police patrols, CCTV and early-intervention measures.

The Home Office said the programme will operate across 27 police forces, targeting communities identified as being most affected by knife crime. The government says the targeted approach builds on measures introduced since June 2024.

According to the government, knife robberies have fallen by almost a quarter across seven police force areas since the targeted approach began. The new expansion is intended to increase police visibility while strengthening prevention work aimed at young people and communities.

The announcement places crime prevention, neighbourhood policing and public safety back at the centre of the government's domestic policy agenda.

The measures will also involve technology such as CCTV alongside policing and early-prevention initiatives. The government says the approach is designed to focus resources on locations experiencing the highest levels of knife crime.

With crime and policing remaining major issues in UK politics, the expansion is likely to keep knife crime, police resources and community safety high on the national political agenda.