We understand from media reports that knife crime in this country is on the increase.
In line with the gun culture in the US we, in this country, particularly in the south east of London are probably facing similar hate crimes but here knives are used instead of guns.
Imagine yourself being confronted by man weilding a knife and threatening to harm you. It must be a very frightening experience.
Knife crimes are not carried out just for the intention of robbery, they are done for various reasons eg revenge or just for fun.
People who are victims would probably live the rest of their lives on a knife edge, being jittery and afraid to go out any time of day or night.
It has been suggested by some that increased jail sentences for the culprits may be an answer. But others argue that prison sentences on their own are not effective. The person will come out of jail more hardened criminal and would be carrying a chip on his shoulder.
But then how could we put a stop to this sometimes indiscriminate harming of people who may have caused no offence or harm to the perpetrators?
What needs to change is the person or the environment they are brought up in. The culprits and their victims need more support from their peers. However, the poor victims of a knife crime would probably live the rest of their life on a knife edge.
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
