Gun and knife crime is a particular concern for residents of Streatham, Brixton Hill, Tulse Hill and Clapham, given some of the high profile reported incidents occurring here recently. Only a couple of months ago, on 31 March 2008, a 15 year old teenager was shot in Streatham.

The government has introduced a series of measures to deal with this violence, the latest being the new guidelines on the prosecution of those caught carrying knives.  From 5 June 2008, anyone - including teenagers aged 16 and over - caught carrying an illegal knife could face criminal charges, which marks a change in policy; for many years teenagers found carrying illegal knives were given a caution, if it was their first offence - now they may be prosecuted.  This measure alone will not solve the problem of young people carrying knives, but it will help and is therefore to be welcomed.