United Against Knife Crime

Police Chief's vision to make Ealing the safest borough

Posters highlighting the dangers of knife crime have gone on display in shops around Ealing.

They were submitted by local school pupils as part of a borough wide campaign.

Hosting a recent meeting to discuss the knife problem, Ealing Police Commander, Ch Supt Sultan Taylor, highlighted his vision of making Ealing the safest borough in London.

He pointed out the need to work in partnership saying: “It is through our work with local authority, voluntary organisations, charities, community and businesses that we can achieve our goals”

Representatives of Through Unity - a charity that works with the families - and Barry Newtion and Grace Idowu, both who had lost family members as a result of knife crime were at the meeting.

Rani King from Through Unity said: ''This campaign starts here in Ealing. I am grateful to Ch Supt Taylor for taking the lead in becoming our partner in spreading awareness and fighting the knife crime. We are planning to talk to the Minister of Justice to address the issue of low sentences or fines given to retailers who sell knives to under age people.''

Ch Sup Taylor thanked everyone for attending and presented Demi Downing and Lori Gargani from Northolt High School with their awards for winning posters.

The meeting ended with Grace Idowu and Barry Newtion speaking about their experiences and pain related to the loss of their loved ones.

July 1, 2009