Police reports indicate a surge in criminal activities involving machetes, despite the banning of these weapons. A study revealed that criminals equipped with hunting knives are causing chaos and fear in communities, with nearly 900 machete-related crimes occurring monthly, including robberies, assaults, sex crimes, and domestic violence.
Offenders often conceal these deadly weapons on their person while out in public. Concerns over the danger posed by machetes led to a government ban in the summer of 2024, with an amnesty program allowing individuals to surrender their knives for compensation.
Recent high-profile cases, such as the murder of Mikey Roynon in Bath and Shawn Seesahai in Wolverhampton, have highlighted the brutal impact of machete violence. The use of machetes in criminal activities remains prevalent, with over 1,600 incidents reported in England and Wales in the last two months of 2025.
Despite efforts to curb the availability of these weapons, online platforms still facilitate their sale, posing a significant challenge in preventing their proliferation. Calls for stricter regulations on knife sales, including a comprehensive licensing system for retailers, aim to enhance public safety and reduce the risk posed by these lethal weapons.
Authorities are committed to combating knife crime and have implemented measures to address the illegal sale of knives online, enhance knife detection technology, and prohibit the sale of certain types of knives. The government’s goal is to reduce knife-related incidents and create safer communities through targeted interventions and legislation.