We are suffering a growing number of knife-related crimes and casualties. Mental health is being affected and the biggest concern is the rising number of deaths. 

The people of Leigh on Sea, Westcliff on Sea, Southend on Sea and surrounding areas have noticed growing numbers of mainly younger males, aged between 13-25, in large groups.  Carrying knives daily and wearing face coverings to hide their identities such as balaclavas, scarfs, hoodies, etc…

• Oct 2021 — Sir David Amess, our Conservative MP, tragically died aged 69 after being fatally stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. But this is just one example of the many tragedies that have occurred lately.

People are scared to leave their homes, in fear of losing their lives. Our streets have become dangerous. Our children don’t go out and play together anymore. They go out in gangs looking for trouble. They focus on violence and living a lifestyle that is becoming more and more normalised.

Yes, we need to tackle the problem on the streets but we also need to teach these children at a young age and inspire them. Create new safeguarding and programs to keep them focused - they need to be taught that this repeated pattern of crime and violence isn’t okay and show them that there is more to achieve in life. We cannot continue blaming them if we aren’t willing to teach them anything better. 

We need to come together more than ever to work as a community to protect each other and achieve the changes we must see in our streets. We need to do this for ourselves and for future generations. Our main focus is creating multiple new outlets for these young children. 

Solutions must include:

•Facilities for young people to play and learn together.
•Youth clubs and sports clubs.
•Greater numbers of first responders for policing and emergency services.
•More metal detector sites and knife bins.
•Regular meetings with authorities and support groups to monitor progress and reforms.

Please let’s act NOW and stop knife crime & violence for good.