Anti-knife ad campaign launched

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Anti-knife ad campaign launched

A campaign to tackle knife crime among London teenagers has been launched by the Metropolitan Police (Met).

The television, radio and poster adverts are part of Operation Blunt 2, which was launched in May to tackle the problem of youths carrying weapons.

Commander Mark Simmons said the "sombre" campaign spells out the "dire" consequences of carrying a knife.

The Met said 20 teenagers have been stabbed to death so far in London this year.

If you carry a knife, you will be arrested and you will be charged and appear before the courts Commander Mark Simmons

A total of 25 teenagers have died in violent circumstances in London this year, the latest being 14-year-old Shaquille Maitland-Smith who was stabbed to death on Saturday night.

Commander Simmons, head of Operation Blunt 2, said since May more than 1,900 knives have been seized through the use of search powers, intelligence from the community, and pro-active policing.

"This ad campaign is stark in its sombre message to young people about the consequences of carrying a knife," he said.

"Carrying and using a knife has dire consequences - both for the victim and their family and also you and your friends and family.

'If you carry a knife, you will be arrested and you will be charged and appear before the courts.

Knife crime will remain a priority for the Met, he said.