Greater London Assembly says serious youth violence has been on the increase in the capital since 2012-13. According to London's Metropolitan Police, there were more than 9,000 stabbing related incidents during April 2015 and April 2016.
It's a perfect night to get stabbed #London #Stabbing #Gangs pic.twitter.com/pPwOwk7VSG
— Tom Barlow (@FaZeKarmaR) April 30, 2016
The boroughs with the highest levels of youth violence in London include, Newham, Croydon, Tower Hamlets and Southwark.
Meanwhile, inner-city borough of Islington is offering children as young as five year's old advice and support to steer them away from gangs, so often the entry point for serious youth crime — including knife crime.
Islington Council is working with specially trained mentors from charity Chance UK to mentor youngsters who are most at risk of falling into a life of crime. These can be children as young as five up to the age of 11.
The council also intends to carry out a two-year pilot project to support those at risk of sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behavior.
Former gang members and offenders will also offer one-to-one support to children to teach them about the impact gang life can have on their own lives.
Council invests in primary school mentoring as part of £2m gangs strategy https://t.co/6vioxnlRX3 pic.twitter.com/g1rCkrCyri
— cypnow (@cypnow) August 15, 2016
"Gang crime and serious youth violence is not only very damaging for those involved, but also harms their families and our wider society," Joe Caluori, executive member for children and young people at Islington Council said.
In the last two years, knife crime has risen by 16 percent in London.
Double stabbing 'gang related' http://t.co/eANtYZsXe8
— DANNY O'BRIEN BCAc (@ANTIKNIFEUK) February 16, 2015
