Don't Carry, Don't Kill

Last month the Government pledged that any adult caught in possession of a knife or bladed weapon would face a mandatory six month prison sentence.

Sadly the proposed sentencing powers do not yet extend to those under the age of 18.

Gang culture appears to be spreading, yet a teenager can carry a knife and escape punishment. Would-be murderers are getting away with it every day.

Our message to them is: don’t carry, don’t kill.

But is that enough?

Last week two rival gangs carrying guns, machetes and hammers faced off in Hertford Road where a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the hand leaving him with a serious injury.

In April 15-year-old Edmonton County School pupil Negus McClean was stabbed in the chest in Bounce Road after he tried to stop a gang stealing his 12-year-old brother’s phone. He was found in a pool of blood in a nearby street where he died.

The Government cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this spiralling and seemingly out-of-control problem.

The Enfield Independent therefore backs the call of Enfield North MP Nick de Bois to include those under the age of 18-years-old in the outlined mandatory sentencing.

A six month spell behind bars or in a young offenders’ institution is a far stronger deterrent than a caution or community sentence.

Of those caught carrying a knife last year more than 40 per cent were under the age of 18.

And, although the Metropolitan Police force has reported that crime across the capital is falling, violent crime has risen in Enfield with 406 incidents reported in May alone.

The community is already being pro-active. A recent peace march following the murder of Negus attracted hundreds of people.

Organiser Hazel Williams said: “I don’t know what the answer is to this sickness devouring our communities, but we know it is time for all of us as families to stand together and say enough is enough.

“This is what propelled me into going from just saying it to actually trying to do something.

“What is important to me that my children are safe on the streets, and we want to show our youth some positive role models.”

That is the real aim of this campaign: to ensure children are safe on the streets.

We hope by campaigning with Mr de Bois in favour of tougher sentences for knife carriers the streets of North London will become a safer place for our children.

The introduction of a mandatory sentence for children may be seen as too little too late for the devastated family of Negus McClean. But it may mean that other mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters do not have to come to terms with burying a young sibling far too early.

Have your say. Should teenagers carrying weapons face a spell behind bars? What else can be done to stop children carrying knives? Tell us below.