More than two-thirds of cautions or convictions for knife crime were handed to first-time offenders, figures show.

Anti-knife campaigners said the high proportion is a "red flag" with more investment into preventative measures needed.

Ministry of Justice data shows 154 first-time knife crime offenders in Norfolk went through the criminal justice system in the year ending September 2023.

Dereham Times: A quarter of knife crime offenders in Norfolk were given an immediate jail sentence A quarter of knife crime offenders in Norfolk were given an immediate jail sentence (Image: PA)

They accounted for 69pc of the total 223 criminals found guilty of knife and offensive weapon offences.

Of the offenders dealt with by Norfolk Constabulary, 29 were children. 

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Patrick Green, chief executive of the Ben Kinsella Trust, said the high rate of first-time offenders reflects a need for "urgent action and a shift in focus".

He added: "While all knife crime is unacceptable, the high proportion of first-time offenders is a red flag. It exposes a cycle where people are often drawn into violence and face potentially life-altering consequences.

Dereham Times: Patrick Green, Ben Kinsella Trust chief executive, has urged a culture change over knife carryingPatrick Green, Ben Kinsella Trust chief executive, has urged a culture change over knife carrying (Image: Ben Kinsella Trust)

"This is not just a criminal justice issue, but a societal one demanding a multifaceted response."

Overall, a quarter of knife crime offenders in Norfolk were given an immediate sentence while a further 24pc received a suspended sentence.

Another quarter of them were given community sentences and 11pc were cautioned.

READ MORE: Joe Dix charity to be set up after teenager's gang murder

The murder of Norwich teenager Joe Dix in January 2022 was among the high profile cases that have shone a spotlight on the issue of knife crime in the county. 

Dereham Times: The murder of Joe Dix has prompted the setting up of a foundation in his name to raise awareness of knife crimeThe murder of Joe Dix has prompted the setting up of a foundation in his name to raise awareness of knife crime (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)Dereham Times: Zombie-style knives have been banned under new legislationZombie-style knives have been banned under new legislation (Image: PA)

His parents have since moved to set up The Joe Dix Foundation to raise awareness of the dangers.

A Home Office spokesman said the number of hospital admissions for young people with serious knife injuries has fallen in recent years, but added more needs to be done to "address the root causes of this violence".

The spokesman added: "We have banned zombie and cyclone knives and are going further to stop more zombie-style machetes from being used on our streets."