Southwark has the worst record in London for solving knife crimes, new figures have revealed.
Just sixteen percent of knife crimes causing injury in the borough led to the perpetrators being caught and charged between 2013 and 2014.
The figure dropped from nineteen percent the previous year, leaving Southwark as the worst performing borough in London.
Southwark’s neighbours achieved much better results, with Lambeth’s clear-up rate hitting 23 percent and Lewisham achieving 29 percent. The average across London was 25 percent
The figures were revealed in a response to a question put to London Mayor, Boris Johnson by Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, Caroline Pidgeon.
Southwark Liberal Democrat councillors then raised the issue at the last meeting of the full council
Councillor David Hubber, Southwark Liberal Democrat’s spokesperson for community safety, said the figures were “not good enough.” “Every week we see new incidents involving knives in the borough…. It’s time to look at new ways of working with community groups and other councils to tackle the scourge of knives on Southwark’s streets,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Met police said in the last year knife crime had reduced by twenty percent in the borough.
“However, we are not complacent and remain committed to reducing the number of victims of knife crime across the borough of Southwark as well as catching those responsible for violence and disruption,” they said.
A London-wide police operation called Equinox has seen plain clothed police officers patrol violence hotspots to reduce all offences which cause an injury and the Safer Neighbourhood Teams have been conducting regular patrols to combat knife crime and tackle people who carry knives.
“We are aware that there is still more we need to do as the potential consequences of every knife crime offence can be devastating,” added the spokesperson.
“The issue of knife crime remains a matter not only for police, but also for all of those who can play a part in preventing it which includes young people, their parents and other agencies. We remain committed to thoroughly investigate cases reported to us and ensuring that those responsible are brought before a court.”