The Guardian has published a significant correction concerning knife crime statistics cited in a recent opinion piece, following a review of the latest official data.
Amended Knife Crime Figures
An opinion article published on 4 November in the Journal section contained incorrect figures on knife crime. The article had originally stated, based on an undated graph, that knife crime in London rose by only 1% in the last year, compared with 19% in Dorset, 31% in North Yorkshire and 51% in Suffolk.
However, the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a different picture. The official figures show a 0% change in knife crime over the last year for London, North Yorkshire, and Suffolk. Contrary to the initial report, knife crime in Dorset actually fell by 13%.
Context and Other Corrections
This correction forms part of the newspaper's regular commitments to accuracy. The clarification was issued under the header 'No-go cesspits? Britain’s cities always prove the right wrong'.
The publication also listed several other articles that have been recently amended. These include pieces on lawsuits facing energy company Drax over claims workers developed asthma from wood dust, plans to release more details of crime suspects to combat misinformation, and the ongoing doctors' strike testing Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Further amended articles covered environmental issues such as plastic beads spreading on the Sussex coast after a 'catastrophic' spill, and thousands protesting in Belém during the crucial Cop30 summit. A photo essay on Jaywick in Essex and a story about a suspected global publishing scam involving AI were also mentioned.
How to Report an Error
The Guardian maintains a process for readers to submit editorial complaints and correction requests. Concerns can be sent via email to guardian.readers@theguardian.com.
Alternatively, readers can write to the Readers' editor at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU, or leave a voicemail on +44 (0)20 3353 4736.
