No Place for Knives campaign launches in Westminster and Croydon
The Home Office has launched the ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign in selected London hotspots. It begins on 2 November 2026 and targets people most at risk of committing knife crime in the pilot areas of Westminster, Croydon and Birmingham.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- A new anti‑knife crime campaign is being rolled out in specific London and Birmingham areas
- Timing
- The campaign starts on 2 November 2026
- Who is affected
- People at risk of carrying knives in the pilot locations
The details
- Announced by
- UK Home Office
- Takes effect
- 2 November 2026
- New rule
- The ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign will run in parts of Westminster, Croydon and Birmingham, using billboards, digital ads, social media, tube‑station and bus‑stop displays, plus a mural at Boxpark Croydon, to warn of stepped‑up police action.
Campaign launch and scope
The Home Office, together with police and local authorities, announced the pilot of the ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign on 2 November 2026. The initiative focuses on two London boroughs – Westminster and Croydon – and extends to Birmingham city centre. Advertising will appear on tube stations, bus stops, social media platforms and a dedicated mural.
- Target locations: Westminster, Croydon and Birmingham city centre
- Media used: billboards, digital advertising, social media, tube and bus‑stop screens
Enforcement and prevention measures
The campaign highlights a range of police tactics that will be intensified in the pilot zones. These include smarter metal‑detector deployment, rapid‑response e‑bikes, additional foot patrols and live facial‑recognition technology. Prevention work such as youth outreach and visible safety patrols in busy night‑time economy areas is also featured.
- Smarter metal detection and rapid‑response e‑bikes
- Extra foot patrols and live facial‑recognition
- Youth outreach and visible local safety patrols
Funding and broader goals
The areas covered by the campaign, together with 16 other Greater London boroughs, have received more than £8.1 million from the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentrations Fund. The funding supports targeted interventions, enforcement actions and preventative programmes aimed at halving knife crime within a decade. Recent statistics show a double‑digit decline in knife‑enabled offences across London.
- £8.1 million allocated to 18 boroughs via the Knife Crime Concentrations Fund
- Goal: halve knife crime in a decade through enforcement and early intervention
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers passing through Westminster, Croydon or Birmingham may notice increased police presence and new advertising in transport hubs.
- No changes to entry requirements or travel itineraries are expected as a result of the campaign.
Cost and documents
- The campaign does not introduce any new fees or documentation requirements for visitors.
- No additional paperwork is needed to travel to or within the pilot areas.
What you need to do
- Stay aware of the new advertising and police measures when moving through the pilot zones.
- If you have information about knife‑related activity, consider reporting it anonymously via Crimestoppers.
- Monitor local news for any temporary disruptions caused by increased police activity.
Who this affects
-
People at risk of carrying knives in Westminster
Westminster is one of the pilot locations where the campaign targets those most likely to commit knife crime.
What to do Be aware of heightened police activity and the campaign messaging in the area.
-
People at risk of carrying knives in Croydon
Croydon is a second pilot borough where the campaign will run across transport hubs and public spaces.
What to do Observe the new adverts and cooperate with any police checks.
-
People at risk of carrying knives in Birmingham city centre
Birmingham city centre is included in the pilot to extend the campaign beyond London.
What to do Take note of the campaign materials and any increased enforcement in the city centre.
Frequently asked questions
When does the No Place for Knives campaign start?
The campaign began on 2 November 2026, with adverts and police measures rolling out immediately in the pilot areas.
Which areas are covered by the new campaign?
The pilot covers parts of Westminster and Croydon in London, as well as Birmingham city centre, using billboards, digital screens and social media.
Will the campaign affect my travel plans in London?
No travel restrictions are introduced; the campaign only adds visible advertising and increased police presence in the specified zones.
Do I need to provide any new documents or pay fees because of the campaign?
No additional documentation or fees are required for visitors or residents as a result of the campaign.
How can I report knife‑related activity anonymously?
Crimestoppers offers an anonymous reporting service for anyone with information about knife‑carrying or violence, as highlighted in the campaign.
