Knife Crime

Knives can cause serious and fatal injuries. The number of crimes involving knives in Norfolk remains low but our message is clear – don’t carry knives.

If you carry a knife you are more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.

The Facts

• It is generally an offence to carry a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority. 
   
• The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and a fine of £5000. If any kind of knife is used in a threatening way it is regarded as an offensive weapon by the law. 
   
• There is a complete ban on the sale of certain types of knives including: flick knives and butterfly knives - where the blade is hidden inside a handle that splits in two around it, like wings. 
   
• Police officers may stop you, and have the right to search any person or vehicle if they suspect you of an offence - including carrying an offensive weapon. For more on this, visit our page on stop-and-search police powers.