Does England really have a violent crime problem?

I was stationed in the UK with the Air Force from 03-07 and I remember that during that time violent encounters escalated and teen gangs were becoming a problem. Yet all I remember about the Yobs is that they would get into a beating or maybe a stabbing every once in awhile. Mostly it was hoodies smashing cars.I just watched the film Harry Brown with Michael Caine and noticed that it was true to the mood and tension that existed when I was there. Many blocks were being taken over by gangs of teenagers that ruled through intimidation and mayhem. Yet in this film EVERYBODY was packing! Now I don't remember a gun problem when i was there(guns existed in crime, but not in any significant numbers). It seems though that the film got everything right save this issue. Did things get worse since I was there last?