Majority of Young Britons Fear Becoming Victims of Violence, Study Finds

Majority of Young Britons Fear Becoming Victims of Violence, Study Finds
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Six in 10 young adults in the UK are concerned they could fall victim to violence in their communities, according to a new survey reported by The Telegraph. The poll of 1,338 people aged 18 to 30 found that 61% feared violent crime where they live, regardless of political affiliation. Among supporters of both Labour and Reform UK, the figure rose to 67%. The research, commissioned by the Adam Smith Institute, described the findings as a “wake-up call” over a generation feeling increasingly unsafe.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows reported violent offences have risen over the past decade, partly due to improved police recording. Knife crime has also increased since the Covid pandemic, nearing record levels, with younger people disproportionately affected. However, the British crime survey indicates that actual incidents of violence have fallen by 36% over the same period, to 1.1 million cases in the past year. The Adam Smith Institute warned that violent crime is now seen as a nationwide issue, not limited to certain regions.

Political figures offered differing responses: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage blamed past governments for weakening the justice system, while Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Labour of failing to back policing tactics such as stop and search. A Home Office spokesperson said the government is investing in policing, expanding Violence Reduction Units, and adding 13,000 neighbourhood officers by the end of the Parliament to improve public safety.