As recent figures show that the Met’s dedicated knife crime team has removed 139 weapons from the streets of Haringey since May, local Liberal Democrats recently joined an afternoon patrol to congratulate them on the encouraging record.

Lynne Featherstone MP and crime spokesperson Councillor Ron Aitken joined the officers from Operation Blunt 2 – dedicated to fighting knife crime by enforcement, prevention and education. The team has arrested 151 people and taken 82 knives and 57 other weapons off the streets of Haringey since its creation in May.

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, commented:

“It’s great to hear that 139 weapons have been removed from the streets of Haringey, but even greater to see that it’s coupled with a real effort to come to terms with the cause of violence by talking to and really engaging with the young people.”

Cllr Ron Aitken adds:

“It’s clear that there’s been a real effort by the Police to engage with young people and related with them to explain the dangers associated with knife violence which has claimed 27 victims in London this year. The officers we have met here today really show immense commitment. It’s so great to see an approach that really does work.”