The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced today that knife crime offenders will be GPS-tagged upon release from prison in a one-year long pilot scheme.
The initiative will begin in four boroughs most affected by knife crime: Lewisham, Lambeth, Croydon and Southwark.
In response, Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Police & Crime Committee, said:
“Many different measures must be taken in the fight against violent crime. Dealing with re-offending is important, but it is equally critical to prevent young people from picking up a knife in the first place.
“We still await details on what the new Violent Reduction Unit’s (VRU) aims and targets will be. The Committee strongly recommends that prevention should be at the front and centre of its plans.”
Notes to editors
- Committee’s letter to the Mayor about the VRU can be read here.
- Steve O’Connell, Chairman of the Police & Crime Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Police & Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.