The violent knife crime epidemic has significantly plummeted due to the coronavirus lockdown put in place by the Government to reduce the spread of the outbreak.
Violent crimes associated with weapons such as knives and guns have reduced rapidly by 30% in London because of the Lockdown rules put in place by the government to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Knife crime has significantly reduced because gang members are not able to carry out their criminal activities, such as the distribution of drugs and weapons through the county lines, because many lives have been taken due to the pandemic gang members see the importance behind social distancing and isolating from loved ones who may have symptoms of the virus.
A Metropolitan Chief, Cressida Dick claims that “With people not being on the streets, there are less opportunities for criminality during this time period.” Also stating that “There has been a relief from violent crime for so many people, clearly many criminals are inhibited in their activities.”
Stabbings of victims under 25 have reduced by 69% as many people are in their homes, only leaving for essential activities – such as urgent hospital appointments, outdoor exercise, and food shopping.
The police force have taken additional measures to visit the homes of suspected offenders who have previously participated in gang culture and knife crime, which is viable procedure due to the current climate, as the virus has ensured that criminals are homebound to protect members of society. The procedure is used to discourage offenders from re-offending, a deterrent that enables these offenders to see the value of spending time with loved ones, the fragility of live and the luck that they have to be alive in this current pandemic – which has taken the lives of over 35,000 people.
“As a former gang member, I think that knife crime will increase again after the lockdown is lifted and after the pandemic has reduced. Many youths get into selling drugs on the county line, the demand for the drugs are as high as competing gangs trying to be at the top of the drug trade. Sadly, more bloodshed will come when it’s safer for people to come out.” Says former gang member.
The Justice Network 