Metropolitan Police officers in Barking carried out a series of knife sweeps and community engagement efforts last week, aimed at addressing serious violence and knife crime in the area. The operation, which included partnerships with local council members and charities such as the Ben Kinsella Trust, was centred around Barking town centre.
One of the key elements of the operation was the installation of a knife arch at Barking train station. This metal detector allows individuals to pass through while detecting concealed knives or other weapons. Combined with stop-and-search efforts, the operation aims to deter crime and create a safer environment for residents and visitors.
Superintendent David Rhodes, who led the operation, emphasized the importance of working with local partners to fight knife crime:
“Collaborating with local partners is essential in our fight against knife crime. We are committed to enhancing the safety of our community by actively implementing strategies aimed at reducing knife-related incidents.”
The operation has already seen positive results, with a 20% reduction in serious violence and a 38% drop in robberies over the past year.
In addition to law enforcement efforts, Barking and Dagenham Council supported the day by promoting their ‘Lost Hours’ campaign, which raises awareness among parents about youth violence and knife crime. The campaign also highlighted the many positive activities available for young people in the area. The council also showcased its Safe Haven scheme, which provides safe spaces in local businesses for residents seeking assistance.
A community engagement stall was set up at the Asda superstore in Barking, where emergency bleed kits, provided by the Liam Taylor Legacy and the Daniel Baird Foundation, were donated. These kits are designed to provide life-saving first aid in case of stabbing incidents.
Key local figures, including Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council Saima Ashraf and other senior officials, participated in the day’s activities.
The Met’s broader strategy, A New Met for London, places a strong emphasis on working closely with the community to reduce knife crime and serious violence. The plan includes partnerships with public, private, and charitable organizations to create long-term safety improvements, with a focus on community involvement.
Inspector Carroll Weeden of Barking and Dagenham’s Neighbourhood Policing team stressed the importance of collaboration:
“To effectively tackle knife crime, we must focus on three key pillars: enforcement, education, and engagement. The success of initiatives like the knife arch deployments demonstrates the power of collaboration with the local council and charity partners.”
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community in Barking and Dagenham, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a united front against knife crime. “Youth violence and knife crime must stop. This is what sits behind the council’s Lost Hours campaign, which was designed with local parents to raise awareness and highlight positive opportunities for young people.”
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, added that while the perceived risk of knife crime among young people is often greater than the reality, the concerns remain valid. “The Ben Kinsella Trust is dedicated to empowering our youth and working tirelessly to ensure they feel safer and more supported in their communities,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to report any non-emergency crimes by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously. In emergencies, the public should call 999.
The operation serves as a reminder that tackling knife crime and violence requires a community-wide effort, and the Met is committed to continuing its work to create safer streets in Barking and Dagenham.
