25 teenagers have been killed in London in the first nine months
of 2021.
The Metropolitan Police fears this tragic figure, which is nearly
twice last year’s 14 teenage homicides, could exceed the previous
high of 2008, when 28 youths were killed in the
capital[1].
Earlier this year the London Assembly Police and
Crime Committee launched an investigation into
violent crime in our city, following concerns incidents would
increase as lockdown restrictions were lifted in the summer.
Representatives from the Metropolitan Police and voluntary
organisations gave evidence to the Committee on their
professional experience of violent crime in London, including on
teenage homicides.
The Committee
has today published a
short report on its findings, which makes six recommendations.
These include:
- The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) should consider expanding
the ENGAGE pilot programme urgently, given the high level of
under-18 homicides and involvement in serious violence.
- The Met should embed community engagement in its approach to
tackling violent crime, with clearer communication about
operations on the ground to communities living in affected areas.
- The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) should ensure that the
learning from the MyEnds programme’s eight borough initiatives is
captured and shared with other boroughs and/or considered for
early rollout.
Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime
Committee, AM, said:
“It is essential that authorities get a grip on reducing
violent crime in London now that all lockdown restrictions have
been eased and life returns to normality post-pandemic.
“The Committee is deeply concerned about the high level of
under-18s involved in serious violence, and the disproportionate
impact that youth homicide is having on young, Black
Londoners.
“Our recommendations seek to address these concerns,
including expanding the ENGAGE programme, which is a good example
of partnership working that tackles youth offending.”
Notes for editors:
-
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-teen-killings-track-worst-year-b941083.html