Children at risk of violence or serious crime will be forced by police to return home under new anti-gang initiatives unveiled this week.

As part of London’s largest youth crime operation, teenagers in Croydon will be targeted by police officers if they are suspected of being either a potential victim or a perpetrator of crime in the borough.

The youths will be taken home to their parents who will then get a visit from a social worker in the Staysafe scheme.

On Monday, Croydon Council and police launched an unprecedented £1m campaign to tackle the growing culture of knife and gang crime.

More than 30 measures will be introduced from next week to reduce youth violence.

Croydon police borough commander Mark Gore promised as part of Operation Safe for All there would be more police on the streets, more stop and searches on school routes and travel hubs, and dedicated hotlines for parents and teens worried about gangs.

Mr Gore said: “Three recent murders by stabbing in as many months.

“An increase in knife-enabled crime shows there is clearly a number of young people who are not getting the message.

“I hope the whole community – businesses, families, schools and colleges – join us in making this operation a success.”

The police-council partnership will introduce a Turnaround Centre, modelled on Croydon’s Family Justice Centre, where young people who are at risk of offending or who are already involved in any sort of crime can get help.

In addition, teachers will get training to help them identify those vulnerable to gang influence, violence or victimisation.

Council leader Mike Fisher said: “Young people intent on trouble will now have a choice.

“Take advantage of what we can offer you – education, training, personal support, positive activities – or pay the consequences.

“Because if you do choose to carry a weapon or take part in violent behaviour in Croydon, there is a high chance that you will be caught, and we will do everything within our powers to ensure you are punished.”

Councillor Steve O’Connell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion, has promised a “ruthless increase in Asbos and dispersal orders” and a 24-hour phone line will be introduced for people to report antisocial behaviour.

There will also be a 24-hour on-call virtual licensing committee which the police can call on to suspend the licence of any pub or club.

Coun O’Connell said the prompt response of the council licensing committee in revoking the licence of the E-Bar after the stabbing death of Oliver Kingonzila showed how effective this would be.

In addition, the Diamond Initiative will focus on young offenders to make sure that they do not commit more crimes.

The campaign was welcomed by all political parties.

Coun Stuart Collins, deputy opposition leader said: “We need to do anything that we can do to get young people out of the gang culture. Money should be no object with something as serious as knife crime.”

Coun Tony Newman, opposition leader, said: “If this initiative saves one more family having to suffer then we owe a debt of gratitude to those involved.”

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