The rate of repeat knife crime offenders in Wiltshire fell in the past year, despite record numbers across England and Wales.
New figures from the Ministry of Justice show the criminal justice system dealt with 135 knife and offensive weapon offenders in Wiltshire in the year leading up to March 2024.
Of these, 37 had a previous conviction or caution, meaning 27.4 per cent were committed by repeat offenders, down from 35.7 per cent the year before.
The Ben Kinsella Trust, which campaigns against knife crime, said the rate of reoffending shows investing in rehabilitation is crucial rather than "simply locking people up".
Across England and Wales, 31.5 per cent of knife and offensive weapon offenders had a previous conviction or caution – the highest rate since records began in 2014.
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However, the rate of first-time offenders is at a record low, falling slightly to 68.5 per cent.
Chief executive of the Ben Kinsella Trust Patrick Green said: "The increasing number of repeat offenders with knife crime convictions is alarming."
He called for "crucial" investment in rehabilitation rather than simply locking people up to break the "cycle of reoffending" the figures expose.
Mr Green said: "Office of National Statistics figure released last month show that knife crime offences have grown 4 per cent in the last year, yet Thursday’s figures from the Ministry of Justice show a fall in number offenders being dealt with by the criminal justice system."
"This does raise questions about whether the full force of the law is being correctly applied in knife crime cases."
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A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said knife crime is a "scourge on our society", adding the Government is dedicated to halving knife crime within a decade.
They said: "First steps will include making sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the sale of dangerous weapons, including banning ninja swords.
"We will also end the practice of empty warnings, ensuring carrying knives triggers rapid intervention and tough consequences."
Mr Green added the "alarming statistic" of 3,206 knife crime offences in England and Wales committed by 10 to 17-year-olds is "deeply troubling". The number of these offences committed by under 18-year-olds has increased by 20 per cent since 2014.
"It's clear we are moving in the wrong direction. To effectively address knife crime, we must prioritise preventing young people from becoming involved in such violence."
In Wiltshire, 14.8 per cent of knife and offensive weapon offenders were 10 - 17 years old.
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