Last week, the Barking and Dagenham Post released troubling figures about the dramatic rise in violent crime across the borough.

Since January, there have been over 150 knife related crimes in Barking and Dagenham. Earlier this month two stabbings took place on the same street within the same week. Many residents have understandably been in touch expressing fears about their safety.

Throughout the year, I have been leading a campaign to save Barking Police Station because it is essential we maintain a visible police presence across the borough.

We need a comprehensive approach to tackle violent crime. That’s why myself, Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, John Cruddas MP, and London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai are calling on the Mayor of London to support proposals for “A step change for a safer borough”.

We need to push for better education concerning the risks of violent crime and carrying a weapon, and give more funding to local groups offering a way out of gangs and violence. We must invest more into local policing and better integrate officers with other local services so we can improve early intervention. Right now the resources available are not enough to meet this growing and changing threat. If we do not take action now then the impact on our youngest will continue to be devastating.

I will continue to push for new approaches to combat violent crime so we can make Barking and Dagenham a safer place to live.