大象传媒

Despite a reduction in overall crime, knife crime in Croydon is on the increase.

With three teenagers stabbed to death in as many months, the authorities have pledged to get tough on the perpetrators.

Cllrs. Mike Fisher & Steve O'Connell

A joint operation led by Croydon Council, the Metropolitan Police, CPS and other agencies called Operation Safe for All will strengthen existing efforts whilst introducing other initiatives to curb youth crime says, Council Leader Mike Fisher

鈥淵oung people intent on trouble will now have a choice.听 Take advantage of what we can offer 鈥� education, training, personal support or positive activities or pay the consequences.鈥�

One of the more radical new initiatives is Staysafe 鈥� a first for any borough in London.听 This will see any teenager believed to be either in danger or who are suspected of causing anti-social behaviour, being removed from the streets and taken home.听 This action will then automatically trigger a follow up visit from social services.

鈥淭his means identifying possible miscreants as young as ten and working with their families to focus on positive outlets rather than misbehaving.听 Parents will be receiving a knock on the door telling them what their children have been up to and seeking their support鈥�, explains Cllr Steve O鈥機onnell

To drive the message home, the borough will increase visible enforcement agents on the streets.听 This will include, explains Cllr. O鈥機onnell,听not only more police on the streets, but a 鈥榬adical increase鈥� in the numbers of council enforcement officers who will be given increased powers along the lines of those held by the police to carry out such actions as weapons sweep.

To hear details of the full measures from Cllr Fisher and O鈥機onnell, click onto audio link below.

Email your comments/views to evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk