Homicides in England and Wales have plummeted to their lowest level in over four decades, according to the latest official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that police recorded 499 homicide cases in the year to September 2025, marking a significant 7% decrease compared to the previous twelve months.
Lowest Figures Since the 1980s
This annual total is the smallest recorded since 1983, when 482 homicides were noted. Homicide encompasses serious offences such as murder, manslaughter, and allowing the death of a child. The decline has been largely attributed to a substantial reduction in killings involving knives and other sharp instruments.
Sharp Decline in Knife and Gun Crime
The ONS data reveals a 23% fall in deaths caused by knives and sharp instruments, with 174 such fatalities during the period. Overall, knife crime offences dropped by 9% to 50,430 incidents, while crimes involving firearms also decreased by 9%, totalling 4,851 cases.
Billy Gazard of the ONS commented on the findings, stating, "While the crime survey paints a relatively stable picture, many aspects of violent crime and theft recorded by the police have fallen in the past 12 months. Homicide and gun crime are at the lowest levels seen this century, while knife crime has also decreased."
Regional Improvements and NHS Data
Most police forces across England and Wales have witnessed a decline in knife crime over the past year. Notably, larger urban areas including Greater Manchester, the Metropolitan Police region, and the West Midlands have reported reductions. This trend is supported by NHS data, which continues to show a decrease in hospital admissions for assaults involving sharp objects.
London Sees Decade-Low in Homicides
Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police released figures indicating that homicides in London have dropped to their lowest level in more than a decade. The capital recorded 97 homicides in 2025, down 11% from 109 in 2024, and the lowest number since 2014, when 95 homicides were logged.
Contrasting Trends in Other Crimes
While violent crimes show a positive downward trajectory, the latest ONS report highlights some concerning increases in other areas. Robbery offences remained broadly stable at 82,354 incidents. However, shoplifting offences rose from 492,660 to 519,381, representing a 5% increase.
Government Response and Policing Reforms
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the progress in tackling serious crimes but emphasised the need for further action against offences affecting communities. She stated, "The government is having real success tackling the crimes that terrorise communities, but the crimes that tear at the fabric of communities, like shop theft and shop robbery, continue to rise and we must do more."
Ms Mahmood outlined government initiatives, including plans to deploy 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing officers and an investment of £2 billion in police forces since taking office. These measures are part of broader policing reforms announced by the Home Office, described as the most significant shake-up in decades.
Major Policing Overhaul
The proposed reforms include:
- A significant reduction in the number of regional police forces.
- The creation of a National Police Service, informally dubbed the "British FBI," to combat terrorism and fraud.
- An increase in the deployment of facial recognition technology vans.
The government has committed to recruiting 13,000 more neighbourhood policing officers by 2029, with 3,000 expected to be in position by spring this year. These efforts aim to build on the current success in reducing homicides and violent crime while addressing persistent issues like shoplifting.
