Knife crime has tumbled as police got tough on youth disorder, according to latest figures.

Croydon Police are hailing their Operation Safe For All a success after knife crime fell 9 per cent and youth crime dropped by 4.9 per cent since its launch last month.

The high profile police enforcement has seen more than 3,000 stop and searches in the town centre in the first five weeks of the operation.

During the operation 34 knives have been seized, while 228 people have been arrested, along with 32 raids carried out and 119 weapons sweeps taking place.

Police have been concentrating extra officers at trains and bus stations, with extensive use of knife arches and search wands. Intelligence-based operations have been carried out to disrupt gang activity.

Acting borough commander, Superintendent Adrian Roberts said: “These figures show that determined, coordinated action is driving down crime in Croydon.

“The message is getting out that youngsters who carry a knife or get involved in violence or antisocial behaviour are likely to be caught.”

Councillor Steve O’Connell, who sits on the Metropolitan Police Authority, added said: “I’m delighted that so many people have pulled together to make Safe for All such a resounding success so quickly, and make Croydon safer.

“I am very pleased also that our local newspapers are also playing an important role and balancing their reporting of crime with regular news of how the joint operation is unfolding.”

• What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.