Independent report

Independent end-to-end review of online knife sales

A report by Commander Steve Clayman into the online sale of knives, reviewing current practices in this market.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 19 February 2025

Documents

Independent end-to-end review of online knife sales

PDF, 1.79 MB, 82 pages

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Independent end-to-end review of online knife sales: Executive summary

PDF, 528 KB, 24 pages

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Appendix A: Independent review terms of reference

PDF, 166 KB, 3 pages

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Appendix B: Offensive Weapons Act 2019

PDF, 653 KB, 75 pages

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Appendix C: Section 141 Criminal Justice Act 1988

PDF, 262 KB, 3 pages

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Appendix D: Section 1 Knives Act 1997

PDF, 232 KB, 10 pages

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Appendix E: Review of knives sold online

PDF, 120 KB, 2 pages

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Appendix F: Contributors to the review

PDF, 130 KB, 3 pages

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Appendix G: Recommendations

PDF, 179 KB, 6 pages

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Details

Between 2020 and 2024 the number of violent and sexual offences involving a knife recorded by police forces in England and Wales has increased.

New and more stringent legislation has limited the availability of larger and more dangerous knives. However, advancements in technology, transport and globalisation has opened the door to new knife markets, instantly available to people through the internet.

In response to this growing threat, the Home Office commissioned an independent end-to-end review of online knife sales to look at the sale and delivery process crucial to individuals obtaining knives online.

This report aims to deliver a holistic view of the process of online sales within the UK and from abroad, taking views from key stakeholders across each area highlighting best practice and issuing recommendations on improvements.

We are aware this publication may have accessibility issues. We are reviewing it so that we can fix these. Read more about our accessible documents policy.

Published 19 February 2025