Police Scotland has sharply increased stop and search operations on young people, reaching record levels in 2025 amid growing fears of youth violence and knife crime. This surge follows a series of deadly incidents, including stabbings that claimed the lives of teenagers, prompting the force to target under-18 suspects more aggressively to remove weapons from the streets.
Record Highs in Stop and Search Operations
New data from Police Scotland reveals that officers conducted nearly 6,500 stop and search actions on individuals under 18 last year, marking a 38 percent rise from the previous year. This is the highest number since updated rules came into effect in 2017.
Weapons were discovered in 231 of these searches, also a peak over the past eight years. The youngest person caught with a blade was a 10-year-old boy in Edinburgh, highlighting how knife possession affects even primary school-aged children.
Experts point to this tactic as a direct response to public alarm over rising violence. In the first half of 2025, police reported a spike in attempted murders involving children, with 20 young suspects linked to 17 such cases, up from just five in the same period the year before.
Key Incidents Fueling Public Concern
Several tragic events in 2025 have intensified worries about youth violence across Scotland. In Glasgow, a 13-year-old boy fatally stabbed 16-year-old Kory McCrimmon in the heart during a confrontation at Greenfield Park, following threats shared on social media.
The young offender received a five-year detention sentence for culpable homicide. Kory’s family, including his aunt Jackie McTaggart, has spoken out in support of more searches, saying each knife removed could save a life.
Other cases include the death of 15-year-old Amen Teklay in a Glasgow street attack, where two teenagers face murder charges involving a sword. In North Ayrshire, 16-year-old Kayden Moy died after a beach disturbance, with three teens accused of chasing and stabbing him.
These incidents reflect a broader pattern. Police data shows teenagers accounted for almost a third of positive knife searches across all age groups in 2024, sparking fears of a youth violence epidemic.
Here are some notable youth violence cases in Scotland during 2025:
- March: Amen Teklay, 15, killed in Glasgow; suspects aged 15 and 16 charged with sword attack.
- May: Kayden Moy, 16, stabbed during Irvine beach fight; three teens, including 18-year-old Jay Stewart, face trial.
- Ongoing: Multiple school weapon seizures doubled compared to previous years.
Statistics on Knife Crime and Youth Offenses
While overall violent crime among young people has decreased in recent recorded figures, knife-related incidents continue to alarm communities. Government reports from 2025 indicate a 2.7 percent increase in knife and offensive weapon offenses dealt with by the justice system, totaling 20,734 cases for the year ending June.
Police Scotland’s efforts have led to over 1,800 under-18 searches between April and June alone, with about 75 percent yielding no weapons. Still, dozens of children, some as young as 11, were found carrying blades.
| Period | Stop and Search on Under-18s | Weapons Found | Attempted Murders Involving Youth |
|---|---|---|---|
| April-June 2024 | ~1,500 | 60 | 5 |
| April-June 2025 | 1,832 | 91 | 17 |
| Full Year 2024 | ~4,700 | 200 | N/A |
| Full Year 2025 (Projected) | 6,500 | 231 | Rising Trend |
This table illustrates the upward trend in searches and related crimes, based on official police and justice statistics. Analysts note that while searches help in short-term weapon removal, long-term solutions require addressing root causes like social media influences and poverty.
Voices from Families and Communities
Families affected by these tragedies are pushing for stronger action. Jackie McTaggart, aunt of slain teen Kory McCrimmon, emphasized the need to stop kids from carrying knives. She believes increased searches are a practical step to prevent more deaths, as young people are increasingly involved in fatal confrontations.
Community leaders echo this sentiment, calling for a mix of enforcement and prevention. Programs aimed at educating youth about knife dangers have gained traction, with some schools reporting doubled weapon seizures but also more awareness campaigns.
However, not all views align. Some parents worry that aggressive policing could alienate young people, potentially worsening tensions in high-risk areas like Glasgow’s east end.
Concerns Over Stop and Search Tactics
The tactic has a controversial history in Scotland, with past criticisms of overuse and bias. The children’s commissioner has raised alarms about the impact on vulnerable youth, suggesting it might criminalize children without addressing underlying issues.
Critics argue that while searches remove weapons, they do not solve problems like gang involvement or mental health struggles. Recent consultations on police use of biometrics and facial recognition highlight similar debates, with over 900 arrests linked to such tech in related violence cases.
Supporters, including former police officials, maintain that stop and search acts as a strong deterrent, especially when combined with community outreach.
Looking Ahead: Strategies to Curb Youth Violence
Looking forward, experts recommend a balanced approach. This includes expanding specialist units for youth crime prevention, as proposed by political figures, and increasing sentences for first-time knife offenses.
Scotland’s government has faced calls to hold inquiries into rising violence, with some advocating for zero-tolerance policies like automatic detention for knife possession. Data from 2025 shows teen assaults up significantly, underscoring the urgency.
Communities hope these measures will reduce incidents, but success depends on collaboration between police, schools, and families.
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