Police recorded a record 74,000 rape offences in 2025, the highest number since data collection began in 2002/3. This marks a significant increase, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) now handling more rape cases than at any point in the last decade.
Surge in Rape Charges
Charges for rape rose by 29 per cent in the year ending December 2025, reflecting a renewed focus on prosecuting sexual offences. Home Office minister Jess Phillips expressed anger during a heated PMQs exchange over grooming gangs and pledged urgent action to safeguard women and girls. This includes rolling out specialist rape and sexual offence teams across England and Wales.
Decline in Knife Crime
In contrast, knife crime levels have fallen significantly. Homicides involving a knife or sharp instrument dropped by 21 per cent, and overall knife crime decreased by 10 per cent in 2025. These figures suggest that targeted interventions may be having an effect.
Overall, police recorded 5.24 million offences in England and Wales in 2025, a 2 per cent decrease from the previous year, excluding fraud and computer misuse. The data underscores a mixed picture of rising sexual violence but falling violent crime.
