Operation Blunt 2 was launched on the 14th May 2008 by Scotland Yard following more young people being killed in attacks involving knives. Barely a day goes past without news of another tragic killing. As such, Youth Violence remains a big priority for this Government.

There are already 6000 more police officers on the streets through decisions made by Labour, and they prioneered the introduction of Community Support Officers.  But now, in another step to tackle youth violence, the Met Police has put searcg arches in place. In the last 2 weeks the Met carried out more than 4000 stop and searches, more than 200 arrests and nearly 200 weapons have been seized. Other methods will include intelligence-gathering teams, weapon sweeps and operations to target offenders.

The latest crime figures from the Metropolitan Police (May 2007 - April 2008) show that the total notifiable offences fell by 6.3% to their lowest level in the last nine years, while Robbery has fallen 19% and racist crime has fallen by 12.6%.  Motor vehicle crime has also fallen by 7.1%, rape has been reduced by 11.3% and domestic violence has fallen by 5.8%.