Violent Crime has been declining in the UK since the mid 90's.

The US Murder rate is 4 times higher than the UK's.

The US definition of Violent Crime = Murder and Non Negligent Manslaughter, Forcible Rape , Robbery and aggravated assault.

The UK Home Office definition of Violent Crime is ALL crimes against the person. ALL robberies, assaults and sexual offences.

I apologise if I came across as rude but UK crime statistics are significantly lower than people would have you believe. The opposition party will use the same statistics to prove the inadequacy of the Government in power, when it comes to law and order, that they will then present differently to prove how efficient they are when they are in Government. International Politics is no different.

Dia is right in pointing out how the few can tar the image of many. Knife crime is definitely more prevalent today than in my youth, when using a knife would be seen as cowardly even among the local gangs and hooligans. If you had a rumble in the past even between different crews, guns were virtually unheard of and blades were for the odd nutter, not widespread like today.