Garda Analysis Reveals 40% Drop in Retail Knife Robberies Over Five Years

New data from An Garda Síochána shows significant reductions in knife-related robberies across Ireland, with retail spaces seeing a 40% decrease and street robberies dropping by 35% when comparing 2020-2024 to the previous five-year period.

The comprehensive 10-year analysis of knife crime from 2015 to 2024 reveals that most serious knife incidents occur in homes rather than public spaces, challenging common perceptions about where knife violence typically happens.

Knife-related assaults causing harm accounted for just 5% of all such assaults in 2024, with the figure averaging less than 7% over the entire decade. Despite overall increases in assault cases, knife-related incidents in public spaces increased by less than one incident per month over the most recent five-year period.

The analysis shows Gardaí are increasingly proactive in removing weapons from circulation, with a 28% increase in knife seizures between 2020-2024 compared to 2015-2019. Officers now seize an average of five knives daily across the country, totalling 18,906 knives removed from streets over the decade.

Nearly 20,000 prosecutions for knife possession have been brought over the 10 years, averaging almost 40 prosecutions weekly. This represents a 14% increase in prosecutions during the 2020-2024 period compared to the previous five years.

The data reveals distinct patterns in offender demographics. Males account for between 86% and 94% of detected knife crime offenders, depending on the offence type. The 18-34 age group represents the majority of offenders across all categories, while teenagers under 18 account for between 7% and 18% of cases.

Murder and manslaughter incidents involving knives remain relatively rare, averaging fewer than one per month over the decade. Most of these serious incidents occur in residential settings rather than public spaces, with knives involved in approximately one in four murder or manslaughter cases.

Hospital admission data from the HSE shows 1,784 people were admitted following knife assaults over the 10-year period, averaging 15 admissions monthly. The year 2023 saw the highest number at 213, while 2024 recorded below the 10-year average. Males comprised 87% of hospital admissions, with 6% being under 18.

Recent legislative changes have strengthened penalties for knife offences. The maximum sentence for possession with intent to intimidate or injure increased from five to seven years in September 2024. Similarly, assault causing harm penalties were increased from five to ten years' imprisonment in 2023.

Gardaí emphasise that carrying a knife without lawful authority remains illegal and increases personal risk. Rather than providing protection, carrying a knife makes individuals more likely to be injured themselves and could result in criminal convictions affecting education, employment prospects, and international travel opportunities.

The analysis comes as Ireland experiences a 7% reduction in overall crime compared to 2019, despite a 9.3% population increase during the same period. Robbery and assault offences continue declining in 2025, with robberies from persons down 24% and assaults causing harm down 3% in the first half of the year.

Dublin divisions, particularly North Central, South Central, North, and West, consistently record the highest levels of knife seizures, accounting for 40-50% of all seizures nationally. These areas remain a focus for ongoing enforcement efforts.