Increase in Cambridgeshire knife attack victims needing hospital treatment
New data has revealed more knife attack victims are needing hospital treatment in Cambridgeshire.
Statistics show that for the last year, serious offences involving a sharp/bladed weapon increased by more than 12% and there was an increase in hospital admissions for assaults involving a sharp object.
The data is revealed in the paper for the next meeting of the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Panel, taking place on Wednesday (September 16) at Peterborough City Council’s Sand Martin House headquarters.
However, while the latest statistics may be concerning, there is good news – as the papers being put before the panel show that the increase may be partly down to increased hospital data availability.
The papers also say ‘the longer term picture for hospital admissions for assaults involving a sharp object shows a reduction of almost 50% since the year ending March 2020. Increases in recorded knife-related offences can be partly attributed to improved recording and reporting practices.”
The meeting will also hear of the work being done to tackle knife crime in Peterborough and across Cambridgeshire.
The papers say: “In 2026/27, the Constabulary successfully secured over £300,000 Knife Crime Concentration Funding to tackle knife crime in Peterborough city centre. Between April and May 2026, additional funded patrol activity delivered over 300 additional police patrol hours, resulting in 11 arrests, eight stop searches, and over 300 community engagements within the target area. Planning for additional activity is underway.”
The report also highlighted other successes in Cambridgeshire designed to reduce , including a programme designed to prevent re-offending rates.
The report says: “The (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime) Commissioner works with probation, prisons and wider partners to address the factors associated with reoffending, including accommodation, education, employment and treatment. During 2025/26, 88 women completed the Brighter Tomorrow intervention, with only 4% subsequently convicted of a further offence.”
The report adds: “The county's approach to violence prevention has also received national recognition, with Cambridgeshire Constabulary receiving the 2025 Excellence in Prevention of Violence award for its evidence-informed, partnership-based
approach to reducing harm through Operation Guardian.”
The meeting starts at 1.30pm on Wednesday, September 16. The full agenda is available at https://democracy.peterborough.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=543&MId=5399