Handguns are by far the most common murder weapon used in the United States, accounting for 7,159 homicides in 2023. This is followed by firearms of an unstated type, with 5,295 cases in that year. Why do murders happen in the U.S.? While most of the time the circumstances of murders in the U.S. remain unknown, homicides due to narcotics come in as the second most common circumstance – making them more common than, for example, gang killings. Despite these gruesome facts, the violent crime rate has fallen significantly since 1990, and the United States is much safer than it was in the 1980s and 1990s. Knife crime vs disease: Leading causes of death The death rate in the U.S. had hovered around the same level since 1990 until there was a large increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Heart disease, cancer, and accidents were the three leading causes of death in the country in 2022. The rate of death from heart disease is significantly higher than the homicide rate in the United States, at 167.2 deaths per 100,000 population compared to a 5.7 homicides per 100,000. Given just 1,562 murders were caused by knife crime, it is fair to say that heart disease is a far bigger killer in the U.S.

In 2023, there were over 1.8 million assaults in the United States where personal weapons, such as hands, fists, or feet, were used. There were a further 149,766 assault offenses where handguns were used. What are firearms? Firearms are portable weapons used to shoot bullets. There are several different types of firearms, which include rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and pistols. Gun laws in the United States vary from state to state, where some states have stricter laws than others. Each state has their own constitution, which allows them to have their own interpretation of the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Gun culture in the United States is a large part of certain regions, where they share similar attitudes and beliefs about firearms and their right to own them. Aggravated Assault Aggravated assault is an intended action to cause serious bodily harm to someone else. In 2023, New Mexico had the highest rate of aggravated assault in the U.S., with Alaska, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana rounding out the top five. In contrast, the reported violent crime rate has decreased significantly since 1990, meaning that the U.S. is safer now than it was thirty years ago.

Number of homicide victims, by method used to commit the homicide (total methods used; shooting; stabbing; beating; strangulation; fire (burns or suffocation); other methods used; methods used unknown), Canada, 1974 to 2024.

Since 2012, a knife or another stab weapon was the most common murder weapons used in homicides in Norway. In 2024, in ** of the ** homicides registered, a knife or another stab weapon was the murder weapon. By comparison, the number of people murdered by firearms was lower.

Knives or other sharp objects were involved in ** percent of homicides in England and Wales in 2023/24, the most of any method of killing. Homicides which involved hitting or kicking without a weapon made up **** percent of homicides, while shootings were identified as the method in *** percent of homicides. Overall, there were *** homicides in this reporting year, which was slightly lower than in the previous year, when there were ***, but noticeably higher than in 2014/15, when there were ***. Firearm homicides rare in England and Wales In 2023/24, there were *** knife homicides in England and Wales, compared with *** in 2021/22, which was the highest figure recently. By comparison, homicides which involved the use of a firearm were far less common, with just ** in the 2023/24 reporting year. Due to strict gun laws and low levels of ownership, the UK contrasts starkly with the United States, which has struggled with high levels of gun violence. Although some specialist police officers in England and Wales are licensed to carry firearms, the majority of police officers are unarmed. In 2023/24, for example, there were just ***** armed police, out of around ******* police officers. Overall knife crime on the rise Like many other types of crime, knife crime offences in the ***** started to decline at the start of the decade before creeping up again from 2014 onwards, reaching almost ****** in 2019/20. In London, where much of the media’s attention on knife crime is focused, there were ****** knife crime offences alone in 2019/20. Although this fell during subsequent reporting years, which were influenced by COVID-19 restrictions, it remains to be seen if the trend will continue. In 2023/24, the number of knife offences in the capital was higher than in any other year since 2019/20.

Knife Detection Video Analytics Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global knife detection video analytics market size reached USD 352.7 million in 2024, driven by increasing security concerns across public and private sectors. The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 18.6% during the forecast period, reaching approximately USD 1,230.9 million by 2033. The primary growth factor fueling this expansion is the rising demand for advanced surveillance technologies capable of proactively identifying concealed weapons and mitigating threats in real-time, as per our recent analysis.

The surge in violent incidents and knife-related crimes globally is a significant driver of the knife detection video analytics market. Governments and organizations are increasingly prioritizing public safety and investing in innovative solutions that leverage artificial intelligence and computer vision to detect bladed weapons. This heightened focus on preemptive security measures has led to widespread adoption of knife detection video analytics in transportation hubs, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure. The integration of these analytics into existing CCTV and surveillance networks enhances situational awareness, enabling rapid response to potential threats and reducing the risk of harm to individuals and assets.

Another key growth factor is the rapid technological advancements in AI-powered video analytics. The evolution of deep learning algorithms and edge computing has substantially improved the accuracy and speed of object recognition, including the identification of knives in crowded environments. Vendors are continuously enhancing their solutions to minimize false positives and ensure seamless integration with legacy security systems. Additionally, the proliferation of smart cities and the increasing deployment of IoT devices have expanded the use cases for knife detection video analytics, further propelling market growth. As urbanization accelerates, the need for intelligent surveillance solutions becomes more critical, driving sustained investment in this sector.

The market is also benefiting from regulatory mandates and standards aimed at improving security protocols in sensitive environments. Educational institutions, for example, are under pressure to adopt advanced security measures to protect students and staff from potential threats. Similarly, transportation authorities are deploying knife detection video analytics to safeguard passengers and infrastructure. The growing emphasis on compliance with safety regulations, combined with the increasing affordability and scalability of video analytics solutions, is expected to drive adoption across various end-user segments. As awareness of the benefits of proactive threat detection increases, the market is poised for continued expansion.

Regionally, North America dominates the knife detection video analytics market due to its early adoption of advanced security technologies and substantial investments in public safety infrastructure. Europe follows closely, driven by stringent security regulations and rising concerns about knife-related incidents in urban centers. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a high-growth market, fueled by rapid urbanization, increasing crime rates, and government initiatives to modernize surveillance systems. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually adopting knife detection video analytics, albeit at a slower pace, due to budgetary constraints and varying levels of technological maturity. However, as awareness and affordability improve, these regions are expected to contribute significantly to market growth over the forecast period.

Component Analysis

The component segment of the knife detection video analytics market is divided into software, hardware, and services, each playing a pivotal role in the overall ecosystem. The software sub-segment, which includes AI algorithms and computer vision modules, is the primary driver of innovation in this market. Advanced software solutions are designed to analyze video streams in real time, enabling the detection of knives with high accuracy and minimal latency. Leading vendors are investing in the continuous improvement of their software offerings, focusing on enhancing detection rates, reducing false alarms, and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of camera systems. The software segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate

In 2025, Pietermaritzburg in South Africa ranked as the world's most dangerous city with a crime rate of 82 per 100,000 inhabitants. Five of the 10 cities with the highest crime rates worldwide are found in South Africa. The list does not include countries where war and conflict exist. South Africa dominates crime statistics When looking at crime rates, among the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, half of them are found in South Africa. The country is struggling with extremely high levels of inequality, and is struggling with high levels of crime and power outages, harming the country's economy and driving more people into unemployment and poverty. Crime in Latin America On the other hand, when looking at murder rates, Latin America dominates the list of the world's most dangerous countries. Violence in Latin America is caused in great part by drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and gang wars.

This statistic shows the rate of homicides in Canada and the United States from 2000 to 2023. There were 6.3 homicides in the U.S. in 2022 and 2.27 homicides in Canada per 100,000 residents in 2022.

Stab Resistant Vests Market Outlook

As per our latest research, the global stab resistant vests market size in 2024 is valued at USD 2.1 billion, reflecting a robust demand across various security and defense sectors. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a forecasted market size of USD 3.8 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing need for personal protection among law enforcement, military personnel, and private security agents, as well as a rise in civilian demand due to escalating security concerns worldwide.

One of the key growth factors fueling the stab resistant vests market is the rising incidence of knife-related crimes and assaults globally. Urbanization and socioeconomic disparities have contributed to an uptick in street crimes, riots, and civil unrest, prompting governments and private organizations to invest heavily in advanced protective gear for their personnel. The demand is further amplified by the need for enhanced safety protocols in correctional facilities and public service sectors, where employees are at increased risk of stabbing attacks. The adoption of stab resistant vests is no longer limited to traditional law enforcement and military users; it is rapidly expanding to include emergency responders, healthcare workers, and even civilians in high-risk environments.

Technological advancements in materials science have significantly contributed to the market’s expansion. The development of lightweight, flexible, and highly durable materials such as aramid fibers and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene has revolutionized the design and performance of stab resistant vests. These innovations offer superior protection without compromising mobility or comfort, making them more appealing to a broader range of end-users. Additionally, the integration of multi-threat protection—combining stab, spike, and ballistic resistance—has further enhanced the utility and marketability of these vests, especially among specialized security forces and tactical units.

Another major driver is the growing emphasis on occupational safety regulations and standards across various regions. Governments in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia Pacific are implementing stringent guidelines mandating the use of certified protective equipment for personnel exposed to physical threats. This regulatory push, combined with increased public awareness about personal safety, is fostering a favorable environment for market growth. Furthermore, the proliferation of e-commerce platforms has made these products more accessible to a wider audience, including private security firms and civilians, thereby expanding the market’s reach beyond traditional distribution channels.

Regionally, North America and Europe continue to dominate the global stab resistant vests market, accounting for a significant share of revenue in 2024. These regions benefit from advanced manufacturing capabilities, high defense budgets, and proactive law enforcement agencies. However, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, driven by rising urbanization, increasing crime rates, and heightened security concerns in emerging economies. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to register steady growth, supported by ongoing investments in internal security and counter-terrorism measures.

Product Type Analysis

The stab resistant vests market is segmented by product type into covert vests, overt vests, and multi-threat vests. Covert vests are designed for discreet protection, typically worn under clothing, making them ideal for undercover officers, intelligence agents, and civilians who require inconspicuous safety. These vests are lightweight and prioritize comfort and concealment, which has driven their adoption in urban environments and among personnel who must blend in with crowds. The demand for covert vests is further supported by the rise in civilian security concerns, particularly in regions experiencing increased violence or political unrest.

Overt vests, on the other hand, are worn over clothing and are visibly identifiable as protective gear. These vests are favored by law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security guards who require both deterrence and rapid accessibility. Overt vests often feature additional pockets

Turks and Caicos Islands saw a murder rate of ***** per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the most dangerous country for this kind of crime worldwide as of 2024. Interestingly, El Salvador, which long had the highest global homicide rates, has dropped out of the top 29 after a high number of gang members have been incarcerated. Meanwhile, Colima in Mexico was the most dangerous city for murders. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in Afghanistan or Syria. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly in some countries. Causes of death Also, noteworthy is that murders are usually not random events. In the United States, the circumstances of murders are most commonly arguments, followed by narcotics incidents and robberies. Additionally, murders are not a leading cause of death. Heart diseases, strokes and cancer pose a greater threat to life than violent crime.

There were 46,999 robberies with a handgun in the United States in 2023. A further 15,564 robberies were perpetrated with a knife or other cutting instrument in that year. Decreasing crime As with most crime in the U.S., the number of robberies has decreased since 1990. Despite views that crime is on the rise in the United States, statistics show that the violent crime rate has almost halved in the last 30 years. The number of robberies in the U.S. have more than halved from their peak in 1991. What you seize is what you get Despite the classic idea of a bank robbery, robberies are far more likely to take place in the street or on a highway rather than in a bank in the United States. Additionally, the robbery rate was highest in the District of Columbia and lowest in Idaho in 2023. For the entire United States, the robbery rate stood at 66.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in that same year.

In 2019, there were *** victims of workplace homicide across the United States. Among these, the most common cause of death was shootings, with *** people falling victim to gun violence. The second leading cause of death was knife-related incidents, with ** victims in 2019.

In Europe, the Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania had the highest and third highest homicide rates respectively in 2023. Latvia had the highest rate at over four per 100,000 inhabitants. Meanwhile, the lowest homicide rate was found in Liechtenstein, with zero murders The most dangerous country worldwide Saint Kitts and Nevis is the world's most dangerous country to live in in terms of murder rate. The Caribbean country had a homicide rate of 65 per 100,000 inhabitants. Nine of the 10 countries with the highest murder rates worldwide are located in Latin America and the Caribbean. Whereas Celaya in Mexico was listed as the city with the highest murder rate worldwide, Colima in Mexico was the city with the highest homicide rate in Latin America, so the numbers vary from source to source. Nevertheless, several Mexican cities rank among the deadliest in the world when it comes to intentional homicides. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in countries such as Ukraine or the DR Congo. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly.

There were ***** firearm offences recorded in London 2023/24, compared with ***** in 2022/23. There was a noticeable drop in gun crime at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with offences falling from ***** in 2019/20 to ***** in 2021/21, and ***** in 2021/22. This is also reflected in London's overall crime rate, which fell from ***** crimes per 1,000 people in 2019/20, to **** in 2020/21, before increasing to **** in 2021/22, and ***** in the most recent reporting year. Firearm homicides rare in the UK The United Kingdom has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, resulting in relatively low levels of gun crime and firearm homicides. In 2023/24 just *** percent of homicides in England and Wales were the result of shootings, compared with *****percent in the United States in 2023. The most common method of killing for homicides in England and Wales was by far the use of a sharp instrument, such as knife, at ** percent of homicides in the 2023/24 reporting year. London police budget cut in 2025/26 In 2025/26, the budget for policing in London was cut to **** billion pounds, from over **** billion in 2024/25. Prior to this, London's police budget increased for sixth-consecutive years, occurred alongside a recruitment drive for police officers, which had fallen to quite low levels in the mid 2010s. It is unlikely that the London policing budget will fall to as low as it did in the mid 2010s, when the budget was effectively frozen at around *** billion pounds a year between 2013/14 and 2018/19