Commissioner reiterates commitment to tackle knife crime

Following the murders of two young men last night (Tuesday, 20 February) in Camden, the Commissioner Cressida Dick speaks about the Met’s continued commitment to tackle knife crime.

The Commissioner said:

“I have spoken all too often at the anger I feel at the senseless waste of life. Today, two more families are suffering a terrible loss and my thoughts are with them.

“The frequency with which some of our young people are prepared to take each other’s lives is shocking. For two young men to be murdered so close together – both in time and geography – makes this even harder to comprehend. Camden is a vibrant and diverse part of our city, the impact of these murders will be felt right throughout that community.

“My detectives are already investigating and I know that they will do all they can to catch those responsible. If you know something that may help then please let us know; if you would not normally speak to police then this is your chance to do the right thing.

“London must come together to make it clear that this cannot continue. We will not police our way out of this problem. There is a role for all of us – London’s public, our partners and the police.

“There will be young people out today who are carrying knives – stop and think. Do you really want your life to end? Or end someone else’s and waste your own life in prison?

“Whoever you are, if you have information, if you know another young person who is going out with a knife then help us protect them. Tell us. We will act.

“Today my officers will be making arrests related to knife crime, they will be using stop and search, they will be carrying out intelligence-led operations. My challenge to everyone in London is to ask each and every person to think about what you can do to help us tackle this blight on our city.”