An unprecedented crackdown on knife crime has seen a 40 per cent reduction in youth violence across Croydon.

Operation Safe For All was launched in October 2008, following the deaths of three young people in knife killings.

The £1m anti-gang campaign saw knife crime drop 39.5 per cent in its first 13 weeks, compared to the same period in 2007, working out to 61 fewer victims.

Safe For All is a joint venture between Croydon Police and Croydon Council and was launched following the fatal stabbings of Shakilus Townsend, 16, Nilanthan Murddi, 17 and Oliver Kingonzila, 20. Acting Borough Commander, Adrian Roberts, said: “These figures show that Safe for All is having a strong impact in the borough and I am pleased with the results being achieved.

“But we are not complacent and acknowledge that there is still work to be done to continue to make Croydon a safer place to live, work and visit.

“We also need to keep focusing on the other work we are doing with our partners to intervene when we think young people are at risk of getting involved in crime.

“We recognise that most young people in the borough are well motivated and just getting on with their lives, studying and often involved in very worthwhile activity.”

Jon Rouse, chief executive of Croydon Council, said: “We are delighted by the substantial fall in knife crime.

“The results speak for themselves and show what can be achieved by combining resources and working closely together.

The enforcement through such effective policing has obviously been a success.”

Brian Stapleton, chief executive of Croydon Business, said: “I’m delighted to see that there is clear improvement in these key areas in the fight against crime. The various town centre policing strategies are clearly having a beneficial effect on safety in the town centre. I commend Adrian Roberts and his team for their fantastic results.”

Ros Morgan, Croydon BID Manager, said: “Recognising that safety and security of those who live, work, shop and visit Croydon Town Centre as a key priority for businesses in the area, Croydon BID committed to funding a new police team for the Town Centre, from April 2008.

"From day one we have seen crime levels drop which is testimony to the good work that the new police unit are doing. "Added to this, Safe for All introduced an even greater police presence from October 2008 and with this came an even greater reduction on levels of crime. "Both initiatives demonstrate that a high level of 24hr policing is the most direct and effective means of tackling crime in Croydon town centre.”

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