Since May 1995, UK operational police officers have been issued stab-proof vests. While a policeman wearing a stab vest might seem standard procedure, in 2008 the Guardian newspaper reported that stab vests were being issued to frontline workers by local authorities. Hospital porters, A&E staff, benefits officers, teachers, and even traffic wardens were supplied with a stab-proof vest to defend them against the rise in knife crime.
The most recent statistics, however, show that since then serious knife crime has spiked again, making the use of this protective equipment more important than ever.
Reports of rising knife crime in Britain
Here in Britain, data on knife crime has been collected by members of the Home Office since the late 1970s.
Government statistics published on data recorded by UK police regarding crimes that involved knives and sharp instruments in offences classed as serious and violent shows a considerable increase over the last decade. The figures revealed that in the year March 2020-March 2021, the number of offences was 27 per cent higher than those recorded in 2010-2011. The statistics also noted that in the year ending March 2021, 224 knife-related offences resulted in homicide.
The research conducted by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) noted the West Midlands Police Force had recorded the greatest number of knife-related offences per 100,000 population in the ten years with a 41 per cent increase, while Durham had the lowest offence rate.
The Ben Kinsella Trust which works to educate young people on knife crime lists that 46239 offences were recorded by UK police that involved sharp instruments or knives in a 12-month term ending in September 2021, continuing the same pattern for the rest of the year.
What Is A Stab-Proof Vest And How Does It Work?
Stab vests are a type of protective armour that offers resistance against punctures from knives, needles, or broken bottles. Vests are manufactured with tightly woven Aramid fabric. Strong on their own, once woven together, Aramid fibres are even more formidable and create a powerful protective barrier. Even aimed with significant force, the knife blade will get caught in the meshed weaving slowing its force and leaving the wearer unharmed. It is understood that during an attack, the vest will still be cut and damaged. It must be replaced immediately with a new vest.
How Can Yu Buy Stab Vests In Britain?
Legal to buy and wear, stab vests can be bought in-store or online here in the UK. High-quality vests protect knives, needles and even blunt trauma and are offered in different grades. While KR1/SP1 are a popular option for protecting civilian workers, HG2, SP2 and KR2 are recommended for members of firearms and special operation police teams and other similar roles. Those purchasing stab vests should always ensure that they have been independently tested and certified by the UK’s Home Office.
Cutting-Edge Protection From Knives
With government figures clearly showing that knife crime is continuing to increase, the need for law enforcement officers and key workers to wear stab-proof vests has never been greater. Expertly designed to provide optimum protection from sharp instruments and bladed weapons like knives, today’s modern stab vests are an excellent asset for any enterprise, organisation or local government looking to keep its staff safe.