The increase in knife crime in the UK is largely attributed to the surge in drug trade, particularly among vulnerable youth. Former gang member William Greenhalgh highlights the fear-driven culture of carrying knives for self-protection. High-profile incidents, such as the deaths of teenagers like Elianne Andam and James Brindley, illustrate the tragic outcomes. Community efforts, such as the Brindley Foundation, aim to address youth violence by providing support and alternatives for at-risk young people, many of whom come from single-parent households in economically disadvantaged situations.