CRIMINALS using knives are less likely to be brought to justice in Waltham Forest than in nearly every other London borough, figures show.

Only 17 per cent of reported knife crimes were solved in the borough last year - the second worst rate in the capital.

Neighbouring Newham, which had 150 more reported incidents of knife crime during the same period (776), had a detection rate of 27.6 per cent.

The previous year’s figures, which show just under 100 of the 618 reported incidents resulted in someone being caught, also placed Waltham Forest at the bottom of the capital’s knife crime detection league. Only Lambeth has a worse record.

Data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows 141 people were actually stabbed in Waltham Forest last year, resulting in two deaths.

Other reported incidents involved a criminal using a knife or sharp instrument to threatening someone.

Borough Commander Steve Wisbey said the reasons for the low detection rates in the borough were “complex”, but added he could not explain further until he had studied the figures.

Deputy Borough Commander, Superintendent Adrian Hutchinson, said the local force is taking steps to address the issue.

He said: “Guardian readers can be assured that we are working hard to impact on this area of crime including preventative work in schools and with young people, use of searches and street weapons sweeps, posting officers in areas of vulnerability to provide reassurance and deter the carrying of weapons.”

The council has speaheaded a campaign calling for more police officers in the borough.

Currently police levels are lower than Hackney and Newham as Waltham Forest is classed as an outer London borough.

A major initiative to tackle the causes of youth crime has also been launched.

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