Tackling knife crime

Four years ago, Camden, in common with other parts of London, saw a rise in knife crime with injuries, with young people often the victims of violent crime.

We launched a Youth Safety Taskforce to look at this growing issue of concern. The council, police and other local partners, such as voluntary youth services, were keen to look at the causes and come up with possible solutions to the problem before it got any worse.

Extensive engagement with the local community formed a key part of the evidence-gathering and the Taskforce went out into neighbourhoods to hear the views of residents directly – and especially the views of local young people. 

Read the Camden Youth Safety Taskforce Report 2018

July 2022 update

Camden's third Youth Safety Fortnight was held from 25 June to 10 July 2022, with about 100 events and activities for children, young people, parents / carers and professionals taking place over the fortnight.

See our winning entry and runners-up in the 2022 Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition here.

You can also read or download the Executive Summary of the Youth Safety Taskforce Evaluation Report, written by researchers from London Metropolitan University.

June 2021 update

On 25 June 2021, we held an event bringing together youth services, schools, young people, parents, youth MPs and local politicians to discuss how to further improve youth safety in Camden and to share some of the successful work which has been happening over nearly three years since the borough’s Youth Safety Taskforce Report was launched.

Below you can read our latest Youth Safety Action Plan report, which also includes a chapter on priorities and areas for the steering group and partners to focus on in 2021.

Report your concerns

  • If you are concerned about a young person at risk, call 020 7974 3317 (daytime) or 020 7974 4444 (out of hours)
  • If a young person is in immediate danger or a crime has been committed, call the police on 999
  • You can also report concerns about crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
  • Download: Child exploitation leaflet for parents and professionals

Youth Safety Fortnight - 25 June to 9 July 2021

This year’s Youth Safety Fortnight focuses on ways to prevent young people being drawn into violence, promoting employment and training opportunities for young people, and improving young people’s relationships with the Police, the Council and other agencies.

The fortnight of action includes workshops, events and activities - both face-to-face and virtual (online) - including community mental health workshops for young people and parents, specialist training and employment support for young people and awareness programmes on online safety, personal safety, substance misuse and positive and healthy relationships for young people. Find out more here.

Find out more

  • If you would like to contact us or get involved in making Camden safer for our young people, please email youthsafety@camden.gov.uk

Other relevant links and documents