KNIFE crime in Hampshire has more than doubled in just seven years, figures have revealed.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that Hampshire Constabulary recorded 762 offences involving a knife or a sharp weapon in 2019-20, more than double the 365 reported in 2012-13.

There were roughly 38 knife or sharp weapon offences per 100,000 people in Hampshire last year, up from 19 per 100,000 seven years earlier.

Knife crime has risen across England and Wales in recent years as well, with a record 50,000 offences recorded by police in 2019-20.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Early intervention to steer young people away from knife crime and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes remains vital.”

Anti-knife crime charity the Ben Kinsella Trust has now warned that surging rates are no longer confined to major cities, and that everyone should be aware of the crisis.

Patrick Green, chief executive of the trust, said the latest figures are “frightening” and called for “greater focus on prevention to stop knives being carried in the first place”.

“Tragically, knife crime has become embedded into our society. The Government needs to change its approach.

“We are beyond the point where we can arrest our way out of this, we must do more to tackle the root causes.”

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said the increase is “deeply troubling”.

“I have no doubt that young people, trafficked into County Lines drug dealing, has something to do with it.

“It’s not good enough to use drugs and not question the journey they have been on. We need to deal with knife crime while identifying its causes.”

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test said: “Given the decade-long cuts to police and community services by Conservative Governments it is no surprise to see another increase.

“The Chancellor had the perfect opportunity to provide the necessary resources needed to tackle this crisis with this week’s budget, but sadly failed to do so.”