Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that last year there were almost 40 incidents of knife crime every day in London.[1]
In response, Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee said:
"Statistics like this leave Londoners fearing the worst about their safety and the safety of their communities.
Such a high number of offences involving knives shows that the Mayor’s Violent Reduction Unit (VRU) needs to be up and running urgently. Now a Director has been appointed to lead the VRU, we expect to see visible and tangible progress very soon.
“In my recent letter to the Mayor about the VRU, I explained that the Committee believes local and early intervention, as well as prevention, are key tools the unit should focus on.
“This bloodshed must stop.”
Notes to editors
- In the year leading up to September 2018 [1]
- Chair’s letter to the Mayor about the VRU can be read here.
- Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- London Assembly Police and Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Funmi Olutoye on 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.