Southampton is set to receive a share of over £611,000 in government funding aimed at reducing knife crime across the city and Portsmouth. Announced on 5 May 2026 by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, the money will be used to increase police patrols in identified hotspot areas and support tailored intervention plans.
The funding comes from the national Knife Crime Concentration Fund, a UK government initiative launched in April 2026. While overall knife crime in Hampshire has reached its lowest level since 2015, with 940 offences recorded in 2025, Southampton and Portsmouth continue to account for a high number of incidents. The investment is intended to build on the progress made by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Beyond increasing police visibility on the streets, the new funding will complement ongoing work by the local Violence Reduction Unit. This unit, which receives significant annual investment from the Commissioner, works with partner organisations to support vulnerable young people and address the root causes of violence before it occurs.
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