Comment: knife crime

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Sixteen London teenagers have been knifed to death this year, the most recent victim, a young girl of 15 on Monday. Last year, 27 teenagers in London met violent deaths - compared with 17 in 2006. This paper is running a campaign to ensure that teenagers in the capital get greater protection from other young people who carry knives. It is, therefore, welcome that the Prime Minister has responded to public concern by insisting that youths, including 16 and 17-year-olds, who carry weapons should face a presumption of prosecution.

This is a necessary response to a growing problem. The overall number of victims of knife crime has, according to Met figures, fallen in the last year. Crucially, however, the number of 11 to 18-year-olds attacked with knives has risen over the same period. It is right, therefore, to target specifically the phenomenon of teenagers carrying knives. Plainly this change will not by itself be enough. There needs to be a more visible, active police presence on the estates blighted by knife crime and greater numbers of metal detectors and stations and clubs. But this is a good start.