New white paper highlights the rising use of bladed weapons

Detectnology has released a major white paper examining a decade of blade-enabled crime and terrorist incidents in the United Kingdom (2016–2026).

Authored by Nick Jordan, Commercial Director at Detectnology the report is said to provide evidence-led insights and practical recommendations for venues, event organisers and public safety teams.

The increased use of bladed weapons

Titled: “Decade Review of Bladed Weapon Trends and Terrorist Incidents in the United Kingdom (2016–2026)”, the white paper is said to analyse data from government statistics, law enforcement records and academic studies.

The white paper reportedly identifies key trends shaping modern security risk, including the rise of “status” weapons, the increasing prevalence of dual-carried implements and the shift in terrorist tactics toward Marauding Sharp Instrument Attacks (MSIA).

Key findings include:

• Knife crime up 80% over the past decade in the UK, now plateauing at 50,000–55,000 offences per year
• Weapon diversification: From domestic kitchen knives to machetes, “zombie-style” knives and ninja swords, offenders are carrying multiple implements
• Demographic shifts: Adult possession offences have risen by 27%, broadening the threat actor profile beyond youth gangs
• Terrorism trends: Low-sophistication, high-impact attacks increasingly use bladed weapons, often with dual-carrying tactics and concealment methods
• Operational implications: Standard bag checks are no longer sufficient for high-profile venues. Risk-focused, layered screening is now essential, particularly ahead of the full implementation of Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) in 2027

Strategic recommendations from Detectnology for venues include:

• Layered security: Combining technology, staff awareness and incident response planning
• Universal screening: 100% screening of bags and persons for high-priority threats to eliminate gaps in defence
• Optimised throughput: Efficient entry point design to reduce queue vulnerability and improve visitor experience
• Behavioural detection: Training staff to recognise hostile reconnaissance or “tunnelling” behaviour
• Enhanced protocols: Multi-zone and full-body searches, with secondary checks for dual-carriers

Moving beyond compliance-based screening

Jordan highlighted: “Over the last decade, bladed threats have evolved dramatically.

“This research highlights that venues and event operators must move beyond compliance-based screening and adopt a threat-focused, operationally practical approach.

“The data shows that layered, intelligence-led detection strategies save lives while maintaining safety and efficiency.”

Russell Moles, Managing Director at Detectnology added: “Detectnology has long delivered solutions grounded in real-world operations at events ranging from major UK festivals to global summits.

“This white paper allows us to share our expertise, showing venues how to meet rising security demands and reduce operational risk in a complex threat landscape.”