Families affected by gun and knife crime met Ray Lewis, Deputy Mayor for Young People today to look at practical, long term measures to tackle knife, gun and youth crime.
The parents of murdered teenagers Kiyan Prince and James Smartt-Ford (Mark Prince and Tracey Smartt-Ford) were amongst representatives from Losing Our Sons Tragically, Through Unity and Mothers Against Murder and Aggression who shared knowledge and suggested methods the Mayor of London can take in relation to knife crime.
Mayor Boris Johnson has made it clear that dealing with knife crime is one of his top priorities in London. Ray Lewis and Kit Malthouse are key members of the Mayor’s team tasked with bringing effective, lasting solutions to youth violence in the capital.
Ray Lewis said: “There is no magic solution to the terrifying spate of teenagers being murdered by knife and gun crime. But immediate measures that have to be enforced include using stop and search and prosecuting everyone found carrying knives. This is just part of an overall strategy to tackle knife crime but it sends out a clear signal that knife and gang crime will not be tolerated.
“It is also imperative that we look at why so many young men and increasingly women are growing up angry, and disengaged from society. We need to offer them outlets and guidance that will respond to their aspirations and divert them away from gangs and antisocial behaviour, whether it is sporting activities, after school clubs or mentoring.”
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse, saw at first hand the results of the Metropolitan Police’s anti knife crime initiative, Operation Blunt 2, at Scotland Yard yesterday. Kit Malthouse, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Ian Blair and MPA Deputy Chair Cindy Butts were shown a range of knives which have been seized by the police as part of the deployment of knife arches and increased use of stop and search as part of Operation Blunt 2.
The Metropolitan Police launched the high profile anti-knife crime operation with the support of the Mayor two weeks ago as a response to the recent surge in knife crime.
Kit Malthouse said: “The long-term solutions to youth crime are complex and will require a wholesale cultural shift. However there is an urgent need to address the most devastating development of the last few years: the rise in death and injury caused by young people carrying and using knives.
“We have been putting in measures already. Resources have been put into a major increase in police presence on public transport in an effort to stamp out anti social behaviour, increase public safety and deter those intent on violence from moving around the capital. The Met Police have deployed knife detecting arches across ten areas most affected by this problem, and stepped up their use of stop and search in an effort to detect and remove knives and deter young people from carrying them. Those found in possession will be prosecuted. 9 out of 10 knife killers are caught and prosecuted by the police.”
Ray Lewis added: “Today’s summit is about listening and learning from people directly affected by knife and gun crime. These horrific crimes devastate families and we need to all work together on the necessary ways to treat the profound contempt for society and lack of self-respect that has alarmingly developed in some of our young people. The Mayor’s office is committed to putting in place measures needed to restore young people’s sense of hope and engagement.”
