‘One wrong word and we could end up at the hospital is how most teenagers feel.’ Rise in homicides as a result of a knife.

‘We are making the community feel safer, we are doing the job of the Mayor and the government.’ –Anti knife crime campaigner.

Homicides using a knife or sharp instrument have risen by 19%. The Office of National Statistics have released figures that show 282 homicides were committed in the year to March 2022.

These figures will not surprise anyone as we all know knife crime is rampant across the streets of London. These are the reported figures, how many incidents occur that are not reported?

One teeanger spoke with the Havering Daily about the fears teenagers have on knife crime. “I would be lying if I said I felt safe in Romford when all the school kids come out. Even one wrong word and it could be a trip to Queen’s Hospital is how most people my age act now.

“Education has to start as young as 11 years old. So many kids once they hit Secondary school are easily dragged into the lifestyle and unless action is done, it is only going to get worse.”

Knife crime is a scurge on our streets. It is a problem that is just not being addressed by those who should be addressing it.

Police officers are doing everything they can. They are always the first on the scene and the ones who are left to deal with these horrendous stabbings. But we cannot police our way out of this.

Bereaved mother and anti knife crime campaigner Sue Hedges from the Ricky Hayden Memorial, told the Havering Daily: ” I think the government should now realise that this is an epidemic. We are on the streets and are seeing this daily, lots of knife crime isn’t reported so these figures should really be a lot higher.

“This is where the professionals have to unite. More education in schooling, more funding for after school clubs, plus our justice system now needs a revamp. 80% of those who carry knives get a caution.

“I also think its time we bring back national service (done properly) this will teach them a thing or to. The Mayor of London needs to get a grip and do his job properly. All he is concentrating on is making money, us bereaved parents who fight grief everyday still find the time to fundraise to put bleed units/kits in our streets.

“We are making the community feel safer, we are doing the job of the Mayor and the government.”

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