A growing number of teenagers are reportedly buying stab vests online and even wearing them to school, as fear of knife crime intensifies across Wales. The alarming trend comes amid rising concerns from anti-knife campaigners and follows new UK government measures aimed at making it harder to purchase weapons online.
Wes Cunliffe, a 34-year-old anti-knife campaigner from Newport, said many young people are resorting to protective gear like stab vests due to increasing anxiety about random or targeted attacks. Cunliffe, who turned his life around after being stabbed at 16 while involved in drug dealing, now works with police and schools to prevent youth violence.
Youth Fear Driving the Surge in Protective Gear
“Young people are telling me they’re carrying knives out of fear,” said Cunliffe, who mentors youth across Wales. “I know kids who wear stab vests to school and stash them around housing estates because they think someone could attack at any time.”
He added that online retailers like Temu were showing stab vests in their search results, despite the absence of any legal restrictions in the UK on purchasing protective gear.
Knife Crime on the Rise in Wales
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), serious knife-related crimes in England and Wales rose by 54% between 2016 and 2024. The issue has gained national attention following several high-profile cases, including the murder of 17-year-old Harry Baker and the attempted murder of teachers and a pupil by a 14-year-old girl.
Gwent Police said it was not aware of stab vests being worn by schoolchildren but encouraged young people to come forward and share their experiences.
Government and Community Responses
The UK government recently introduced Ronan’s Law, named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda who was killed in 2022. The law imposes stricter rules for online knife sales and harsher penalties for violators. While Cunliffe welcomed the move, he warned it is only a starting point: “We need a full community approach, not just legislation.”
Self-defence instructor and security expert James Bourne echoed these concerns. Bourne, who runs a security firm in Cardiff and has survived multiple knife attacks himself, confirmed that teens are purchasing “slash-proof” hoodies and other protective clothing. But he warned that no gear offers full protection—and wearing it doesn’t justify carrying a knife.
Football Programs and Education as Alternatives
Initiatives like the Premier League Kicks programme, which works with clubs including Swansea City and Cardiff City, aim to redirect vulnerable youth through sport and open dialogue. Actor Idris Elba has also joined efforts through a BBC documentary and community outreach sessions discussing knife crime’s impact on daily life.
The Swansea City AFC Foundation confirmed it has heard directly from youth about their fears and interest in stab vests. “It reflects a troubling reality,” the foundation said, “but we believe engagement, education, and promoting self-worth are better solutions than relying on self-defence gear.”
Police and Government Stress Prevention
Gwent Police’s Chief Superintendent Jason White said officers regularly visit schools to educate students on the risks of carrying knives. South Wales Police’s Chief Superintendent Esyr Jones urged teens to consider the life-changing consequences of carrying a weapon and called on communities to report concerns.
The Welsh government said it strongly supports the UK government’s latest proposals to address knife crime, stressing that school safety remains a top priority.
