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I wanted to provide an update regarding knife crime, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. We are aware that many people may be worried about knife crime in their local communities. We are committed to tackling knife crime wherever we find it, in order to keep you safe. If you would like to know more about the guidance that is available, our website includes a number of important resources that can offer guidance, including what to do if you think someone you know needs help, how to keep people safe, and support organisations you can talk to. Passing on information to organisations such as Crimestoppers or Fearless can not only help after a crime or incident, but vitally stop something from happening. Knife crime is a complex issue that requires a combination of individual responsibility, community action, and systemic intervention. Preventing it involves reducing the availability of weapons, addressing the root causes of violence, and educating at-risk individuals.
1. Individual Prevention and Safety
- The "No-Carry" Rule: The most effective way to prevent knife crime is to never carry a blade. Carrying a knife for "protection" increases your risk of being injured by one, as the weapon can be turned against you.
- Conflict De-escalation: Avoid physical confrontations. If a situation becomes heated, walk away. Prioritizing your safety over your pride is a life-saving skill.
- Know the Law: In many jurisdictions, carrying a knife in public without a "good reason" (such as for work or religious reasons) is a serious criminal offense that can lead to a prison sentence, even if the knife is never used.
2. Role of Parents and Guardians
- Open Dialogue: Talk to young people about the dangers and legal consequences of carrying a knife. Listen to their concerns about safety without being judgmental.
- Recognize the Signs: Be aware of changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, new social circles, or an obsession with "drill" music or social media accounts that glamorize violence.
- Safe Disposal: Use local "amnesty bins" or "knife banks" to dispose of unwanted knives securely. These allow individuals to hand over weapons without fear of prosecution.
3. Community and Educational Initiatives
- Early Intervention: Schools and youth clubs should provide workshops on the reality of knife crime, often featuring testimonies from former gang members or victims’ families to humanize the statistics.
- Providing Alternatives: Supporting youth programs, sports clubs, and mentorship opportunities helps keep young people engaged in positive activities and away from environments where knife culture thrives.
- Reporting Anonymously: Encourage the use of services like Crimestoppers or Fearless, which allow people to report information about knife possession or planned violence 100% anonymously.
4. Environmental and Policy Measures
- Responsible Retail: Businesses must strictly enforce age-verification checks for the sale of knives, both in-store and online.
- Street Safety: Improved street lighting and CCTV in "hotspot" areas can act as a deterrent and make communities feel safer.
- Public Health Approach: Treating violence as a preventable disease involves identifying those at highest risk and providing them with social, psychological, and economic support to break the cycle of violence.
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
